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The Tower Light 




Blavyland State Uovmal School 
at Towson 

T O W S O N , M D . 






I 



Contents 

PAGE 

Privilege 3 

Poetry . 5 

Some Eastern Shore Families 8 

Lycopodium 10 

Library and Librarian 11 

Notes on Music 12 

Assemblies 14 

Editorials 16 

The Power of Speech 18 

Nicky, My Dog 19 

School News 20 

Thumbs Up 23 

Sports Slants 29 

Advertisements 31 



The Tower Light 



> L . VIII OCTOBER, 1934 No. 1 

Privilege 

{From Antioch Notes) 

Privilege, in its unethical sense, is the taking of any advantage — in 
power, wealth, or opportunity — which is not justified by essential 
worth or by service rendered, and which is to the disadvantage of 
society as a whole. 

Privilege has burdened human society, as fleas have infested dogs, 
from time immemorial. There are few better measures of real civilization 
than the degree to which men free themselves from this age-old incubus. 

THE HISTORY OF PRIVILEGE 

"The little fleas that do us tease 
Have other fleas to bite 'em, 
And they in turn have other fleas, 
And so on, ad infinitum." 

Wherever life occurs, other life strives to prey upon it. Freedom 
from parasites — which word is a good synonym for privilege — is not a 
return to nature, but a move forward to new and unprecedented freedom. 

Society always has been burdened with human parasites who demand 
more than their contributions justify. Such favored position, or privilege, 
always has intrenched itself in law and custom as vested right. The 
elimination of privilege is a radical undertaking in human history, and 
will create a new level of social well-being. Success is yet far from 
being achieved. 

TOOLS OR PRIVILEGE 

Adequate and necessary equipment for doing one's proper work may 
be designated as tools. The carpenter does well not to give away his 
saw and plane, for they are instruments by which he makes himself 
effective. For a banker with large operations, a hundred million dollars 
may be as necessary tools as hammer and saw for the carpenter. What- 
ever one rightfully possesses and necessarily uses for doing his proper 
work should be considered as tools, not as privilege. 

For a carpenter needlessly and ostentatiously to enlarge his own 
house, while his neighbors sorely need his services, would be turning tools 
into privilege. For a banker to use vast resources to incur unnecessary 



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personal expenditures, and to use his financial power to make other men 
pay him tribute for his personal ends, also would be turning tools into 
privilege. Clearer ethical discrimination is needed to lead men to refrain 
from using tools as privilege. This is true under either capitalism or 
socialism. 

PRIVILEGE OR STABILITY 

After all reasonable demands of social and economic efficiency have 
been met, after the forceful man has insured himself a favorable environ- 
ment in which to work, with powerful and adequate tools in the form 
of money, plant, or organization, and with abundant reserves, it still 
remains that many men in addition demand privilege. They would avoid 
the common lot. They provide themselves luxury denied to other men. 
They would use the lives of men to maintain a scale of expenditures not 
necessary for personal or social well-being, in conspicuous contrast with 
prevailing standards. This is privilege. 

In the usages of some labor unions and in many workmen's customs, 
there are habits of getting pay for work not done, and habits of holding 
to preferred positions not justified by services rendered. This also is 
privilege. Privilege is not a characteristic of any one social class, any 
more than animal parasitism is characteristic of a single species. Many 
men would keep the present social order unchanged to preserve the 
privileges they possess, and they smother with denunciation any person 
who questions any phase of it. 

Desire for stability is desire for orderly production and distribution 
of goods, desire that one may reap what he sows, that labor may have 
its own reward. Desire for privilege constantly hides behind this desire 
for security. When attacked, it cries that order and security are attacked. 
Privilege dares not defend itself openly for it is indefensible. It deliber- 
ately confuses the issue between privilege and security, and then de- 
nounces the common man for being confused and for attacking security. 

Privilege is thus the greatest enemy of order and security, for it 
draws upon them the attacks of men who resent privilege. The flaunting 
of privilege embitters men. In so far as men of great power are 
sincerely guardians of that power for the public good, and are willing 
to share the common lot, to that extent radicalism and bitterness have 
no permanent hold. 

LIFE WITHOUT PRIVILEGE 

How would life be without privilege? Great men would have 
great tools: power, money, influence, conveniences. Small men would 
have small but appropriate tools. Genius would have necessary leisure 
and freedom. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Beyond supplying tools and maintaining well-being necessary and 
appropriate for wholesome living and effective service, possession of 
wealth or power would not be turned to private benefit, but would be 
held in trust for society as a whole. Men would not consume resources 
simply because they had inherited or had seized them. Surplus resources 
would be available for improving the common lot, and for seeking out 
ability and worth wherever they might appear and giving them oppor- 
tunity for development. 

(Editor's Note: Dr. Arthur Morgan of the TVA was formerly president of 
Antioch College.) 



Triad 

In 

Autumn, 

Dancing leaves 

Sway and caper 

In the ecstasy 

Of the tune of the winds. 

A 

Tremor, 
Pulsating, 
Ascends gayly, 
Rustling bough and leaf: 
Each a theme of music. 

The 

Forest: — 

Home of trees 

Ever singing 

Leafy tone-poems, 

Nature's works unequaled. 

H. B., Senior 111. 

5 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Youth 

My eyes lingered on that face! 
I knew she once had dreams 
Of happiness unmarred 
By petty things — or scarred 

by Life. 

And yet she stands here! 
Dreams tumbled about her feet! 
She has but an empty shell, 
But one could not tell 

by her face. 

Visions have clouded. 
Life has not proved too kind. 
Yet perhaps she's happier 
Than I with these dreams of mine, 
awaiting Life. 



Age 

She was old! 
Silver hair, 
Sweet face, 
Hearing almost gone. 
Yet, there throbbed a heart 
I knew had done its part 
for others. 

She drifted back. 
Seemed quite sad. 
Her life had been 
Just one of little things. 
Rejoice! The big things are for self. 
The little things bring wealth 
To others. 



Life 

Love's warm tender glow; 
Intelligence's lightening of time; 
Friendship's ever sweet understanding; 
And Eternity's whispering softly of the Divine. 
All are Life. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Why Should I Think I'm Great? 

I can stand up tall on tiptoe 
Arms stretched very high 
But I cannot reach the sky. 

I hear the organ's full rich tone 
And know my voice is but a reed 
Which cannot reach another's need. 

I feel the sod beneath my feet. 
Within that sod there's wealth untold 
I have no power to unfold. 
Why should I think I'm great? 

Elizabeth McIntyre. 



Maturity 

A child I was, and full of faith in life, 

Real faith in God, and man, and you, who held 

Unknowingly, the strings to open up my heart 

To all the beauties of a golden world. 

With soul as trusting as a mother's eyes, 

I placed into your waiting hands my love. 

Real love it was, pure, true, and full of hope 

That I might make my very life your own. 

You smiled and all my baby dreams came true. 

I breathed those days of ecstasy unknown 

Since that sad night so many years ago, 

When you kissed my cheek and left me there alone. 

"She's just a child," I think I heard you say — 

But God was kind — for I grew up that day. 

An Alumna. 



"Writing is like laughter. To be genuine it must come from 
within a man. The power to write well cannot be handed over to us 
by the best teachers; it cannot be extracted from any or all of the books 
in the library. It is simply the expression of ourselves, the externaliza- 
tion of our minds, imaginations, hearts." 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Some Eastern Shore Families 

IT is very noticeable that in the more southern counties of the Eastern 
Shore, estates, manors, and grants are connected more conspicuously 
with families even than in the upper counties. 

Dorchester county is the largest county in land area on the Eastern 
Shore. This section has several old families and family manors surviving. 
In 1740 Henry Hooper built a home at the junction of the Choptank 
and Warwick Rivers. He called it "Warwick Manor." The home- 
stead was inherited by Henry Hooper, the son. He divided the estate 
and sold it outside of the family. The original Col. Henry Hooper who 
built Warwick Fort Manor House, as it is now called, is the ancestor 
of the Maryland families of that name. 

Above Cambridge on Shoal Creek, Col. Thomas Ennalls was given 
a tract of land. He called his property "Eldon." Descendants of 
Thomas Ennalls are branches of the Goldsborough, Hooper, Steele and 
Bayard families. The oldest dwelling remaining in Cambridge is "The 
Point." It has been added to by people who have lived there. For many 
years it was in the Goldsborough family. James Steele bought it from 
W. Goldsborough. It passed into the hands of Mrs. Eliza Hayward, 
widow of William Eccleston. 

"Glasgow" has been the ancestral home of the Tubman family. 
The old estate is now owned by Mr. Robert E. Tubman of Baltimore. 
"Hambrook" is the tract which was given to one branch of the Henry's. 
Families of Dorrington, Hambrook, Caile and Steele have been associated 
with the property. In 1662 Stephen Gary received a grant which he 
called "spogot." It has been continuously in the family and it is now 
owned by three Radcliffe brothers, the eighth generation descended from 
Stephen Gary. 

In Wicomico county the Ben Davis house is noted. The manor 
is said to have been the parsonage of Green Hill Church. The property 
of course was in the Davis family. Next oldest to the Ben Davis house 
and the Green Hill Church is property belonging to members of the 
Handy family. "Cherry Hill" has been the home of the Somers and 
Gunby families. These families have intermarried and retained the old 
homestead. 

Col. Isaac Handy was a very prominent gentleman of his day. He 
was the forefather of the Somerset family of that name. 

Somerset, Worcester and Wicomico were considered originally as 
the Eastern Shore. "Beckford," in Somerset, is on the tract patented 
to William Stevens. It was sold many times. It was in the Dennis- 
Jackson family for many years. In 1886 H. F. Lankford bought the 
place. 

8 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Teakle Mansion at Princess Anne is on a part of the Beckford grant. 
It was bought by Judge Teakle from George Jackson. This home is 
the mansion referred to in "The Entailed Hat." The old brick house, 
"Makepeace," housed the progenitors of the Roache, Gunby, Atkinson, 
Sterling and Cullen families. 

Worcester is the most eastern county in the south of the Shore. 
Dannock Dennis who settled here was the first Maryland settler of this 
name. His grant of "Beverly" has never been out of the family. Mr. 
and Mrs. P. C. Dennis make the old manor their home. 

A little south of Berlin is the birthplace of Stephen Decatur. 
Although his parents were not Marylanders, he was a most patriotic 
son of the state as history reveals. There were vestrymen at Snow Hill 
Parish delegated to establish Protestant religion. Members of this group 
were Mathew Scarborough, Thomas Selby, Edward Hammond and others. 

The "Chase House" is accepted as the birthplace of Samuel Chase. 
Kingston Hall was the home of the King-Carrol family. The estate 
was bought by a member of the Somerset branch of the Dennis family. 
His descendants have held the property for many years. 

These families are of colonial heritage. The scions of the old names 
are more prevalent in these counties however than they are in the 
upper five counties. 

E. Wilson, Junior VI. 



The Social Calendar 

ON Thursday, September 6, the Freshmen were entertained at a 
Tea Dance in Newell Hall Foyer. We might say we hoped it 
helped them recover from the effect of the morning entrance 
tests. We would like to thank a male member of the Freshmen Class, 
who helped this occasion to be a successful one, by furnishing the music. 
The Campus Frolic, or "Newell Hall Foyer Frolic," on September 
12, was a big success in spite of "old man weather's obstinacy." We 
hope the Freshies enjoyed it as much as we upper classmen did. 

We feel that Campus Play Day on September 26 brought us all 
closer together. A fine school spirit was indeed evident. Although 
some of the results of the day were stiff legs and sore arms, we enjoyed it. 

E. G., Senior VI. 



1 






THE TOWER LIGHT 



Lycopodium 



IT is a very easy matter to go to your favorite apothecary and ask for 
five cents' worth of lycopodium, which is often used as a dusting 
powder for chafed skin. Do you know what this lycopodium is, 
what its uses are, and where it is found? 

Lycopodium is a club moss known scientifically as a cryptogamous 
plant belonging to the pteridophyta or fern group. The powder, which 
the druggist sells, is the spores of the lycopodium plant. Each plant 
produces thousands of these spores — each one the same relative size. The 
individual spore contains 50% fatty oil (olein) 3% to 6% nitrogen and 
44 % to 47 % of carbohydrates. A lycopodic acid found in the fatty oil 
crystallizes, becoming silky needles, and is doubly refractory like quartz. 
The spores are not wetted by water, yet when boiled they sink to the bot- 
tom of the container. 

Formerly this interesting powder was used as a decoction and em- 
ployed in cures for rheumatism, and diseases of the lungs and kidneys. 
It is used now on chafed skin, even when better grades of powder are 
available. The pharmacist uses it to facilitate the rolling of pills. Often, 
in homeopathic medicines, when they are pellets, lycopodium powder 
is to be found in the container. The spores are used in rockets and fire 
works and light up the zenith with their glare. The inflammable quali- 
ties of this powder can easily be seen when a little is thrown upon the 
flame of a match or candle; it explodes with a brilliant lightning-like 
flash. As a result, it was often used back stage when a storm was in 
progress — you know — the crash of sheet tin, the din of rolling balls, 
the shriek of the wind machine, the lightning-like flash of the 
lycopodium! 

This interesting plant is to be found in Europe, Asia, and North 
America. It grows very abundantly in Maryland. Its dainty green adds 
color to many Christmas wreaths. The commercial lycopodium product 
is collected in Ukraine, Poland, Switzerland, and Germany; it is shipped 
in bags to us form Danzig, Hamburg, and London. Why buy it? Go 
collect it. Most of us will brush it from our clothes after a tramp 
through the woods, and promptly complain about "the lack of rain to 
keep the (yellow) dust down." 

Earl H. Palmer, Senior HI. 



Chemistry Prof. — "What is the most outstanding contribution that 
chemistry has given the world?" 

Frosh — "Blondes!" — Cougar's Paw. 



10 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Library and Librarian 

Anew face greeted us this year upon our first visit to the library. 
Yes, Miss Osborn, or Mrs. Odell, as she later became, is gone, and 
■ in her place has come Miss Hiss. 

Miss Hiss has had varied experience at teaching. She has taught in 
the schools of South Carolina and also in Maryland, both in the elemen- 
tary and high school departments. Her study for library work was done 
at Columbia. 

I was, in a way, already familiar with Miss Hiss, since she taught 
at the high school from which I graduated, but I never realized she 
was so shy about telling of her experiences . . . she just didn't seem to 
think anything she might say would be of interest. I'll wager that 
before the year is over we will find out many interesting things about her. 

We are fortunate this year in having several departments improved 
in the matter of books for reference use. There are a series of Smith- 
sonian Scientific study books that should prove valuable to those students 
who are now, or who will later take science courses. Then, there are 
several dozen more of Meredith's Hygiene, of which we all know there 
was not enough last year. Smalley and Gould have been added to those 
growing lists of hygiene references. 

Among the fiction, "Stars Shine over Alabama" will afford several 
hours of pleasant reading for any interested. Dorothy Canfield Fisher 
has her latest book on the fiction shelves. 

There are many more new books, in all departments. Just take a 
few minutes off some day and you will be surprised to see all of them. 
I'm sure the alumni have little idea of the growth of the library in the 
last few years. I wonder how many of us realize we have here at Normal 
the largest collection of books dealing with Education of any college 
below the Mason-Dixon Line. 

We wonder why such a spirit prevails in the library every day! 
It is not unusual to find every available chair and table space being used 
for some study. 

We wonder just how many books are checked in the course of a 
week, or even a day. There is much about the library work at which 
we may wonder. There surely must be something intriguing about it. 
It seems to hold those who do such work under a spell. Certainly it 
draws a splendid type of person. 

By the time for the next issue of The Tower Light we have been 
promised several good reviews of new books. Don't wait for The Tower 
Light, read enough to make your own reviews. 

T. Johnson, Senior Sp. 

11 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



A Few Notes on Music 

Has any one of you ever stopped to consider what good music 
really is? Many people, especially we moderns, do not care about 
the music written by the great masters. "We think only of the 
present with the hot-cha blues songs, the whirling tempo of the dance 
tunes, and the syncopating rhythm of the jazz music. The popularity 
of these songs lasts but a few days, then a new song catches the fancy 
of the modern public. 

On the other hand, however, the music written by the great masters 
has a lasting quality. For several centuries, this music has been sung 
and played, and yet it always seems to have that certain something which 
holds the interest of the public. The masters seemed to have put their 
"Everything" and their whole life's toil into their works. They really 
discovered new tunes and strove for originality. 

Today's writers, or rather composers, are vastly different in regard 
to their mode of composing. There is no originality whatsoever. A 
modern composer takes an old song, quickens the tempo, adds a few 
simple words and juggles the notes around a little, and presto, he has 
a new song -hit! This song-hit enjoys popularity for a little while and 
then a new one takes its place. 

I leave the question with you. Which is the better type of music, 
the type which has lasted through centuries or the type which enjoys 
immense popularity for a short time and then passes into complete 
obscurity? 

Charles A. Haslup, Freshman VII. 



What Do You Think? 

What is your opinion of music? Do you like it, are you in- 
different? The great majority of us like it as far as we can 
understand it. Let's skim through the pages of history to find 
what various outstanding characters thought of this fine art. 

Confucius, the Chinese sage, claimed that he could tell how well a 
country's government was run just by listening to its music. Martin 
Luther is quoted as having said, "I verily think, and am not ashamed to 
say, that, next to divinity, no art is comparable to music." 

There is deep meaning in the following lines of Shakespeare's 
"Merchant of Venice" where Bassanio is about to choose one of the 
three caskets: 

12 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



PORTIA: "Let music sound while he doth make his choice; 
Then, if he lose, he makes a swan-like end, 
Fading in music . . . 

. . . He may win, 
And what is music then? then music is 
Even as the flourish when true subject bow 
To a new-crowned monarch; such it is 
As are those dulcet sounds in break of day 
That creep into the dreaming bridegroom's ear 
And summon him to marriage." 

John Milton wrote: "Such sweet compulsion doth in music lie." 

Queen Elizabeth said she could "shun melancholy" by means of 
music of virginals. 

I've often wondered just exactly what George Eliot meant when 
she said, "Music sweeps by me as a messenger carrying a message that 
is not for me." 

On the other hand, we find the austere Puritans emphatically 
against music. At one time, they sent a petition to parliament: 

"A request of all true Christians . . . that all cathedral churches 
may be put down, where the service of God is grievously abused by 
piping with organs, singing, ringing, and trowling of psalms from one 
side of the choir to another, with the squeaking of chanting choristers. . ." 

However, we can't much blame the Puritans' attitude when we 
find that the average New England congregation knew only about five 
psalm tunes (which each person sang, nasally, in his own individual way) . 

The following poem was found — written on a pew: 

"Could poor King David but for once 
To — Church repair, 

And hear his psalms thus warbled out, 
Good Lord! How he would swear." 

Overstreet says that music is what we would like life to be. 

Some time ago, I heard a man on the street say he never trusts 
anyone who has a "fishy" handclasp, or who dislikes music. 

Music is a beautiful art: to some people it is religion. You don't 
have to be a Wagner or a Galli Curci to enjoy it. It is as free as it 
is varied in its effects. It is a gift given us for our enjoyment. It is a 
splendid, worthwhile way to spend our leisure time. 

What do you think? 

Edward MacCubbin, Senior III. 

13 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Rural Club Report in the Assembly on 
September 27, 1934 

Mr. Meyer, a reporter for The Tower Light, interviewed Mr. 
Wheeler, a member of the Rural Club. 

Question: — What is the Rural Club and what are its purposes'? 
Answer: — The Rural Club is an organization to further the children's 

welfare, to preserve and develop nature, and give justice and fair 

play to humanity. 
Question: — How does the Rural Club realize these purposes? 
Answer: — There are many different ways these purposes are realized; 

some of the following are outstanding: 

1. By travel-study trips. 

2. At the regular meetings people who are active in carrying 
on community, state and national work, describe their work 
to the club. 

3. Through various projects, especially the Glen Project. 
Question: — What is the Glen Project? 

Answer: — "We are interested in making a part of the campus a preserve 
for wild flowers, plants and birds. This will be used as a laboratory 
for study and recreation by the Normal School students. And, as 
a little secret, I'll tell you this, they're planning to put benches under 
some of these trees! 

Question: — What social functions are planned by the club? 

Answer: — We are now planning a trip to Hagerstown. Then we have 
delightful tea dances which are open to the whole school. 

Question: — Who is eligible for membership to our Rural Club? 

Answer: — We want anyone who is interested to sign up for our club. 
We try to have every county in Maryland and Baltimore City 
represented. 



"Dividend Returns" 

"Rekindled imagination" is furnished by books of fiction, literature, 

biography and fine arts. 
"Refreshed mentality" in books of science, business, foreign languages 

and history. 
"Peace and serenity" in books of philosophy and religion. 

One-fifth of this reading was done by children under fourteen years 
of age. 

ARE YOU SHARING IN THESE DIVIDENDS? 

Los Angeles Public Library. 

14 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Assemblies 

Dr. Tall 

What is there about certain places and things that make us want 
to return to them; to know them better? Why do we want some ex- 
periences to become vivid and personal? There are places in our own 
city of Baltimore that history has stamped. Dr. Tall in the first assembly 
of the year invited us to visit these places. Visit the docks at Locust 
Point and Canton and other places of interest and really know your city. 

Our principal illustrated this by recalling places in Europe which 
she had visited this past summer such as Lubeck that were of the type 
that you wished to know better. Find the places in Baltimore that you 
wish to make live in your memory. Don't neglect becoming acquainted 
with them. Do it now! 

Miss Medwedeff 

Jinrikishas, Shanghai, Singapore, Waikiki Beach, deck games, 
typhoons, Theatre Street. We were given a fleeting glimpse of these 
places and things of our dreams by Miss Medwedeff who took us around 
the world in the course of two very interesting assemblies hitting the 
high spots of her trip this summer. We saw coolies with bent backs 
planting rice in muddy fields. Clumsy water buffaloes assisted in the 
process. We saw the very modern city of Tokio, as well as the surf beating 
on the white sands of Waikiki. Our ambitions grew and our dreams 
became more vivid. We saw ourselves on board a ship — going — yes, going 
around the world. And when Miss Medwedeff concluded her talk by 
quoting the never too much quoted "Sea Fever" by John Masefield, I 
am sure that we all were more inspired, much better informed, and much 
firmer in our intentions some day to answer the call of the sea. May 
Miss Medwedeff have another opportunity soon to continue her work in 
spreading this contagious "sea fever." 
Mr. Moser 

Faculty members have romance. But what is romance? There 
are Indian trails weaving in and out of the mountains of Western 
Maryland and following the rivers' winding courses. There is a little 
deserted village near the Monocacy where glass was manufactured in 
the United States for the first time by some German settlers. There is 
a rich treasure buried somewhere on one of these mountains by General 
Braddock. There is an old homestead on the side of a mountain where 
a farmer in ambush behind an ancient cherry tree held off a group of 
Confederate raiders. These buried treasures and bloody battles and 
Indian trails and deserted villages are romance. 
(Continued on page 1 7) 

15 



The Tower Light 

Published monthly by the students of the Maryland State 
Normal School at Towson 

STUDENT EDITORS 
Editor Alumni Editor 

Mary-Stewart Lewis Marguerite Simmons 

Business Manager 
Earl Palmer 

Circulation Managers Advertising Managers 

Mary B. Yaeger Marian Cunningham 

Elise Meiners 
Irene Shank Justus Meyer 

Dorothea Stinchcomb Sara Hayward 

DEPARTMENT EDITORS 

Assembly Athletics General Literature 

Ruth Keir Theodore Woronka Edward Turner 

Helene Ziegler Fairfax Brooke „ , . ? „, „ 

Secretarial Staff 

Poe i r y Social Hilda Farbman 

Mary Bucher Lee Yenkinson 

Elizabeth Goodhand Dorothy Gonce 

Margaret Clark 
Library Music 

Ruth Hale Sarena Fried Humor 

Thomas Johnson Gene Benbow 

$1.50 per year 2 cents per copy 

Alice Munn, Managing Editor 



Herman Bainder 

Science 
Edith Vaxman 



Interested? 

Perhaps it would be interesting to note the possibility of an addition 
to The Tower Light this year. Heretofore our magazine has not 
contained a fiction column, but due to numerous requests it has 
been decided that one is to be established if possible. Now whether or 
not we can have this, rests entirely with you as a student body. To 
enable this possibility to materialize we decided to have a contest every 
month, from which the best article is to be selected and published. As 

16 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



a reward the winner will become an honorary member of the fiction 
department and there will be a fiction column with every regular issue 
of The Tower Light. 

The judging is to be done by members of the faculty on an entirely 
fair and impartial basis. 

The following is a list of the topics, about which the contests are 
to be centered: 

November — Exposition 

December — Description 

January — Essay 

February — Poetry 

March — Play 

April — Short Short Story 

In May this column will be devoted solely to the publication of 
the names of the winners. 

We will appreciate your fullest cooperation. REMEMBER THIS 
IS FOR YOU. 

E. Turner, Senior IV. 



The Freshmen Express Appreciation 

The freshmen class take this opportunity to thank the students 
and faculty for the wonderful welcome and initiation they were given 
on their entrance to "State Normal." The usual treatment of the 
freshmen as the least important part of the school body was totally 
lacking in our first days at school, for we were shown every consideration 
of equality and respect. 

To one who has not had the opportunity to witness such a ceremony, 
the Induction Services were most impressive and beautiful. We, as a 
group, will do everything in our power to fulfill the pledge that was 
given, and help State Normal to grow in the estimation of the country 
at large. 

The Freshmen. 



Assemblies 

(Continued from page 15) 
But how do you go about finding romance? Forget civilization. 
Go off the beaten tracks into the unknown. This was the advice given 
us by Mr. Moser who this past summer really found romance in our 
own Western Maryland. Take this advice and with the true definition 
of romance, as given to us by Mr. Moser, in mind, go out and see if 
you too can't find romance. j^. Ziegler. 

17 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Power of Speech 

How mighty is the power of eloquent speech. How wonderful it 
would be if we could use words to make our world more mean- 
ingful and beautiful. Lovely words can even add glamour to 
geography. Mr. Walther said in talking about Chile, "Let the children 
visualize the rugged Andes Mountains being lashed by the waves of the 
Pacific. Let them see vividly the clouds of mist coming across the 
mountains, the tiny streams trickling down the mountain side and drying 
up at the bottom in the arid land. Let them picture the people digging 
nitrate in the dry land." 

Miss Munn says, "Simplicity of expression and talking to the point 
are the things that count. If you try to find a job, when the employer 
interviews you, it's the person who expresses himself well that has the 
best chance. Don't flaunt big, meaningless words. Arrange simple words 
in an interesting fashion. Do you remember Lincoln's speech at 
Gettsyburg? There are no unusual words there, just an interesting 
arrangement." Few people are artists, few are musical, but we all do 
talk. Let's talk well. 

A. Wilhelm. 



Musical Moods 

Composers, through their compositions, induce various moods into 
our emotional life. Naturally, some of us are more subject to 
this type of hypnosis, if we may call it that, than others. Some of 
the following composers, in certain of their works, create the atmosphere 
or feeling noted beside the master's name. 

Beethoven Restless aching and longing. 

Wagner Feeling of masked power. 

Schubert Simple, but highly dramatic. 

Haydn and Mozart Simple grandeur. 

Verdi Free, soaring, mixed emotions. 

Liszt Many moods ranging from the ponderous 

dirge to the light fantastic. 

Greig Haunted, restless feeling. 

Chopin Freedom and verve. 

Sullivan (with Gilbert's librettos) Varying effects. 

from the hauntingly beiutiful to the grotesquely 
assinine, many times in uharp contrast. 

MacDowell and Nevin Soothing tranquillity. 

Scriabin Eerie, lost feeling. 

MacCubbin, '35. 

18 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Nicky, My Dog 



Nicky is one . . . year . . . old . . .! It all happened Wednesday 
amid gala festivities at which we shouted the appropriate song, 
gave him a piece of the becandled cake (which under ordinary 
conditions he shouldn't have) and at last bestowed upon him the gifts. 
You have never seen in all your life a happier young one, despite the 
fact that Daddy gave him (I blush at the thought) a muzzle. Nicky's 
carefree attitude was probably due to the fact that even then he was 
planning how he'd tramp home from a subsequent excursion, his license 
tag jingling from the shiny new collar, his ribbon although a bit dejected 
looking as though slightly drooping at the corners of the mouth, still 
tied securely, and the obnoxious gift . . . gone. 

Nicky always has had an air about him. Even when after his 
bath he rolls in the mud or frisks with the fuzzy raggle-taggle down 
the street, he seems to bear in mind his Doberman ancestry and 
eventually shakes his fuzzy friend as he does his muddy thighs. But 
now, with the passing of Wednesday, Nicky's whole bearing has acquired 
a maturity which is truly admirable. As a consequence, we love the 
new Nicky not exactly more, but differently from the Nicky we found 
at the fireside on Christmas morning. The only trouble is, that now, 
if on one of his frequent, subsequent excursions, he should encounter a 
venerable S. P. C. A. officer, we, and he also, will wish he hadn't been 
quite so crafty. 

M. S. L., Senior Sp. 



The mother had discovered her small daughter, Betty, aged three, 
busily engaged in washing the kitten with soap and water. 

"Oh, darling, I don't think the kitty's mother would like the way 
you are washing her." 

"Well," Betty seriously replied, "I really can't lick it, Mother." 



Pedestrian (to boy leading a skinny mongrel pup) — "What kind of 
a dog is that, my boy?" 

Boy — "This is a police dog." 

Pedestrian — "That doesn't look like a police dog." 

Boy — "No, it's in the secret service." — Kingston Standard. 

19 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



School News 

Your correspondent, who is by no means a Freshman, has some 
sentiments concerning our beginning. We have started over again. 
With the Freshmen has come an opportunity to make new impres- 
sions, to do things we wish we had done last year. The vacation was 
very pleasant, but who among us will say he is sorry school with its 
renewed opportunities has started? 

The Freshmen seem to be a promising lot. The girls are beautiful; 
the boys, handsome; and both seem to be adjusting very well. Despite 
the good job done by the Big Brothers and Sisters, there are many of 
the more intimate places on the campus to which the Freshmen have 
not been introduced. May we suggest the tower, the power house, the 
laundry, the kitchen, and the Campus Elementary School? (Not to 
mention parts of the glen.) 

Some faces are gone. Some have graduated. Some have married. 
Some have decided they will be happier elsewhere. We miss them all, 
even if it is selfish of us. 
Do you know: 

That it is a good thing every issue of The Tower Light is not a 
first issue? Your correspondent would be tempted to resort to verse 
and one Herman Bainder of the poetry department might object. 

That being a Freshman has its advantages? "I'm sorry, Miss Sperry, 
I did not know that," is a very handy sentence to be able to say with 
conviction. 

That one of the Senior men has had his nose renovated? He expects 
big things of it. Who is this Apollo by the art of the scalpel? Ask 
Teddy Woronka. 

That a term of student teaching makes a great difference in people? 
Observe the chastened aspect of the Seniors. ("What! Even Senior III?" 
Well, hardly chastened, but they "ain't what they used to be.") 

That the Elementary School children have devised a shield for their 
school? It is worth walking over to their vestibule to see. 

That conditions have been so good the Student Council has been 
put to the necessity of thinking up work, which is good news! Few 
people have been hurt by thinking. 

That the old elementary assembly room (Room 24 to you) has been 
equipped with a stage and a radio? When will some soul be brave 
enough to use these fine facilities? 

That the Men's Room has been garnished with greens? We have 
heard words of approval. We hope the plants live. 

20 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



That for the year 1932-33, the total cost per Towson Normal 
School student, making no allowance for the service rendered the 270 
pupils in the elementary school, was $368.00 for each day student and 
$786.00 for each resident student? 

The average payment for a day student was $21, the average for 
a resident student $194. The state met the difference. Since then the 
tuition has been raised to $100 for each student, and a boarding student 
pays $216 in addition. 



Hits and Bits 

The Ursinus Weekly, publication of Ursinus College, announces the 
shattering of a new record. The radio was listened to for one full hour 
without the familiar phrase, "We're Not Afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf," 
being heard. 

A system of adult education by radio by means of listening centers 
in the Kentucky mountains has been inaugurated by the University of 
Kentucky. 

The Crimson White tells us of a certain professor at Wisconsin State 
College who recommends the old institution of cramming, because it 
represents concentration of the highest order. He further asserts that 
modern psychologists believe knowledge gained more rapidly will be re- 
tained longer. 

The Morrow Dormitory at Amherst has been presented a library of 
3,000 volumes by Mrs. D wight Morrow, wife of the late ambassador 
and trustee of the Union Theological Seminary. This will be the third 
dormitory library at Amherst. 

Forty of the 70 candidates who reported for the football squad at 
Notre Dame in 1933 had been captains of their respective prep school 
teams. 

Fraternity houses at Rutgers University employ 140 students, whose 
combined yearly earnings are $26,300. Most of these men work at wash- 
ing dishes and waiting on tables. 

According to a professor at Washington University, students who 
aim for "A" grades are barren of personality. Those who get "C" are 
the ones who move the world. 
BACK TO THE PRIMITIVE 

Hamilton College, also, produces miracle plays. As a part of the 
Christmas celebration last year, they acted out three plays from the old 
Chester cycle, which was written down in 1600. The originals were 
presented by the guilds of the painters, glaziers, and vintners. 

Sara Levin, 34. 

21 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



WESTERN UNION 
TO: 
FRESHMEN, JUNIORS, ALUMNI 

GIVING DANCE OCTOBER 12 STOP SOFT LIGHTS SWEET 
MUSIC STOP FLOOR SMOOTH DECORATIONS SWELL STOP 
WILL YOU BE THERE STOP SAVE ME A DANCE 

SENIOR CLASS 



Recital by Mr. Jackens 

WE have started our assembly concert season well. On Tuesday 
the 18 th, Mr. Robert Jackens, basso, gave us a program of songs. 
The selections were: 

Death Island (Die Toteninsel) Hugo Wolf 

The Wanderer (Der Wanderer) Schubert 

The Double (Der Doppelganger) Schubert 

The Bowl of Roses Robert Clarke 

I Love You Truly Carrie Jacobs Bond 

Aria of the High Priest, Sarastro, from the 

"Magic Flute" Mozart 

Mr. Jackens sang the first three selection and the last one in German. 
His singing is characterized by excellent tone quality, enthusiasm, and 
dramatic power. Mr. Jackens was ably accompanied by Mr. Leo Dooley, 
pianist. 

Mr. Jackens is connected with the Baltimore Civic Opera Company, 
which gives Baltimore attractive operatic performances. We are hoping 
that we shall become better acquainted with these before the year is over. 



"I hear your son's at college." 
"Yep." 

"How's he doing?" 

"Pretty good, I guess; he's taking three courses. I've just paid out 
ten dollars for Latin, ten dollars for Greek, and a hundred dollars for 

Scotch." 

* * * >t 

The last word in aircraft: — Jump. 

* * * «• 

Coquettish Co-ed — "How do you like my new hat?" 

Cadet (absently) — "Fine. But you have a run in one." — Skipper. 

* * * * 

New Definition — A monologue is a conversation with the professor 
whose course you are flunking. — Siren. 

22 



THE TOWER LIGHT 




... on the vista from room 202. Have you noticed it? 

. . . Miss Bersch's amazing croquet ability. 

... on the free time given us through the absence of assemblies. Let's 
put it to good advantage. 

... on the Senior Specials that have adjusted themselves to "Normal" 
life. 

... on the Freshman boy that so deftly plays the popular tunes — 
after lunch in room 223. 

... on those particularly mellow tones which issue forth from a 
basso Senior Special. 

... on the undreamed of comfort and convenience afforded the 
girls — on gym day, by such an apparently insignificant item as a pair 
of socks. 




... on the Safety Pylons on York Road. 

... on people who persist in walking on the wrong side of the road. 
... on the endless striking of the tower clock at noon. 
... ON THE STUDENTS WHO HAVEN'T PAID THEIR 
ACTIVITIES FEES! 



23 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Revelations I; 34-35 



There was a time (when we were freshmen) that we envied the 
editor of this column. But nevertheless we offer to you this month's 
findings with the hope that the extra-curricular activities of the 
student body will be a little more obvious and a great deal less serious 
from this time on. 

We can't help but wonder if a Mr. Kulacki would be flattered to 
know that it has taken three men to fill his place; namely, Frank 
Zeichner — orchestra, Myron Mezick — soccer, and Melvin Cole in the 
dormitories. We wonder. 

Who can deny that Fost has not been faithful to the Eastern Shore? 
Surely, Edward is an honorable man. Do they live near each other, Ed? 

We wonder, too, if the dormitory advocates of the fourth year for 
the I. A. are growing or diminishing in number? 

It has been brought to our attention that one girl, a freshman, lost 
five hats last year. We might suggest that that is much healthier than 
losing your head but once. 

If you would put to test the proverb, "Absence makes the heart 
grow fonder" keep an eye on Schwanebeck and Johnson, and if you be 
disillusioned, turn your attention to Benbow. 

And we offer as a model of clandestine love, R. and M. Who would 
have guessed it? 

Cheer up, Malcolm! We overheard a freshman exclaim of a boy 
who grew up in three years. We wanted to console Harper with this 
but the case seems too hopeless. 

Looks as though Ed Turner is out to put the "Big-Brother System" 
on its feet again. Those in charge of next year's registration might do 
well to observe his technique. 

We would be grateful if Wheeler would make up his mind. Or 
has he lost it? 

There are a few who cannot understand why Charlie Meigs omitted 
the Richmond Hall Parlor on the Map of Play Day. Or wouldn't he 
know? 

The fact that a salamander took leave of the science room might 
prove some mighty interesting things about . . . salamanders, of course. 

Assuming that there is a Baltimore Safety Council and assuming 
that it is competent — how, then, did it overlook Mr. Minnegan's car? 

What will the twelfth of October bring to Ed Brumbaugh- 
better yet, whom will Ed bring the twelfth of October? 

24 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



We understand that the president of the school orchestra has been 
conducting a symphony along the railroad tracks. Just an old, old 
story in a modern setting. 

And we know of the young man, who, when accused of philander- 
ing, thought that it meant some form of philanthropy. As we look 
about us we are prone to agree with him in no small measure. 

Can it be that those two masters, or rather mistresses of the 
terpsichorean art are unaware of the comments they bring forth each 
night in the Newell Hall Foyer? 

Our best wishes to Jimmy Tear, who, we hear, has been confined 
to the sofa in the Parlor for the past two weeks with a sprained ankle. 
We would like to use it ourselves sometime, Jimmy. 



Glee Club 

Do you like to sing? We do, too. That is why we are in the 
Glee Club. A song in our hearts and a song on our lips do 
wonders toward making us happier persons. 
Last Commencement day our hearts sank a bit, when our forty- 
eight trained Senior Glee Club members walked up to get the diplomas 
that were to take them from us. But though we miss them now, and 
shall never forget our past comradeship in troubles and triumphs, yet 
we are all inspired by our new organization. We have two "old" fourth 
year Seniors with us again, Frances Fanton and Mary Rogatchoff. Besides 
we have our four year Senior, Mr. Johnson, who has just joined the Glee 
Club ranks, and Mr. Mezick who has come to us as a fourth year senior 
from Salisbury. We have forty "old" Seniors, two new Juniors, eighteen 
"old" Juniors, and last, but not least, forty-nine new Freshmen, thirty- 
two girls and seventeen men. Our total enrollment is one hundred and 
thirteen. Counting out the student teachers, this means that our 
Assembly Glee Club group numbers between ninety and one hundred. 
We are strong in numbers, and in ability and willingness to work. Miss 
Weyforth is bristling with songs for the coming year, and everyone is 
certain of hard practice, but of happiness, too. 

Our officers are: 

Emily Ross President 

Dorothy Lorenz Vice-President 

Elinor Wilson Secretary 

Abraham Berlin Librarian 

Edward MacCubbin Accompanist 

25 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Orchestra 

So far this year the Normal School Orchestra has devoted its energies 
to reorganization, since we were so unfortunate as to lose by gradu- 
ation nine members, several of whom held key positions. We should 
like to keep all of our good members indefinitely but that is not the way 
of schools. However, we are fortunate in that several dependable mem- 
bers are still with us to assist in the reorganization. So far our member- 
ship is as follows: 

First Violins Second Violins 

Frank Zeichner, Helene Davis 

Concert Master Pauline Mueller 

Morris Hoffman, Frances Waltmeyer 

Asst. Concert Master Hilda Wa i ker 

Malcolm Davies Martha HoUand 

Louise wenk 

Cello Double Bass 

Herman Bainder Charles J. Hopwood 

Clarinet Saxophone 

Harold Goldstein R utn Kreis, E flat 

Organ John Klier, C Melody 



Tympani 



Eleanor Loos 

Eleanor StXk Rebecca Howard 

Mellophone Piano 

Barbara Bartlett Charles Haslup 

Several freshmen students are trying out for cello and violins. The 
successful ones will be admitted to the Orchestra later on. 

As a part of the instrumental activities, a string ensemble has been 
formed of violins, cello, and bass. Two or three combinations of in- 
struments are possible in this group, sometimes all, sometimes only violins 
and with or without piano. This ensemble provides further opportunity 
for more advanced players. 

On Sunday, October 7, Frank Zeichner played the Bach-Gounod 
Ave Maria for the Y. W. C. A. candlelight service. 



Japan 

Japan is a country far across the ocean. The people that live there 
are very different from us. Their skin is yellow. The rich people wear 
long silk kimonos. The poor peasants wear clothes made from coarse 
cotton. They wear a bright sash called an obi. They wear wooden 
shoes which they always take off before they enter the house. They do 
not sit on chairs like we do, but sit on cushions. Instead of writing with 

26 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



a pen they write with a brush. Some of the people still use jinrikishas 
for traveling. Lois Shoenheider, Grade Three. 

Hamilton School. 



Welcome 

Time marches on! After a delightful summer vacation came Sep- 
tember and the beginning of another year at Normal. Accompany- 
ing this new year came new hopes, new ideals and new enthusiasm 
in the mind of each student at the Maryland State Normal School. 

The returning Seniors and Juniors quickly found their places as 
they had left them in June but to the Freshmen this new situation was 
more difficult to meet. It is to these that we wish to say "Welcome." 
We desire above everything else that you, Freshmen, feel your places 
of importance with us. May you begin, at once, to take an active part 
in all the school activities and may your list of friends be increased 
through association with new acquaintances here. We are all members 
of the Student Body working together as one unit. 

The year is ahead of us. May our growth continue and our hopes 
be realized! Ruth Kreis. 



The Campus School Banner 

When the Campus School was built, the children wanted a design 
for a shield to stand for the Campus School. Before the designs 
were made, the school chose maroon and gold for the school 
colors. It seemed to everyone that the colors should be used in the 
shield. 

Each child in the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh grades was given 
a chance to design a shield. After a week or two the best shields from 
each grade were given to the committee. The shields were displayed on 
the bulletin board for everyone to see. After awhile the Student Council 
selected the best designs. The Seventh Grade worked the five designs 
over in the school colors on large sheets of white paper. Then the 
children voted for the design that they thought best represented our 
school. I was very proud and happy when I learned that my banner 
had been chosen. 

My banner has a maroon background with a gold torch on each 
side. On the upper left side is a globe, and on the lower right is a 
book. I did not make my design because I liked to draw, but because 
so many people liked it that it made me think of putting it into the 
contest. 

The world stands for the places we study about. The red stands 
for sunlight that makes boys and girls healthy. The torches guide and 
lead us. The book stands for our heroes. Billy Benson, Grade VI. 

27 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



School No. 63 
Baltimore, Md. 
September 14, 1934. 
Dear Miss Rutledge, 

Our class wants to thank you for your charming talk on England 
and for showing us all those lovely things. 

This morning a girl from our class brought in some more nice things 
from England. Among them were the British flag and some old, old, 
English money, some dating back to 1701. Another child brought in 
a couple of plates made in England. One is over a century old. One 
little girl found out how much your theatre ticket and program cost. 
It was $1.82 in our money. We hope to learn more things too. 

I'm sure we all hope to see you again real soon and have you talk 
on that very interesting country, England. 

Sincerely yours, 

Bloom a Ranter, 6B1. 
Miss Herman's Class. 



Laughs 

"Do you know how to tell a professor from a student?" 
"Oh, all right, have it your own way and tell it." 

"Ask him what 'it' is, and if he says it's a pronoun, he's a professor." 

* * «• * 

She — "I don't think that English course did you any good. You 
still end every sentence with a preposition." 

Schoolmaster — "This makes the fifth time that I have had to 
punish you this week. What have you to say for yourself." 

Pupil — "I'm glad it's Friday." — Exchange. 

* * # # 

I recently got twenty dollars for a collection of poems. 
Yeah, from whom? 

The Express Company — they lost them. 

* * * * 

Priscilla, what does B. C. — A. D. mean? 

"Be careful — after dark." 

* * * * 

"It isn't sanitary," protested the traveler, "to have the house built 
over the pig-sty like that." 

"Well, I dunno," replied the farmer, "we ain't lost a pig in fifteen 
years." — Automobilist. 

* si- * * 

"What model is your car?" 

"That's no model; it's just a horrible example." 

28 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Sports Slants 

The new school year seems barely to have started (?), and already 
the coming sports season is underway. The two fall sports — soccer 
and hockey — of course, hold sway. 

What are the prospects of the Varsity soccer team? The "Maryland 
Collegiate Champions of 193 3" have a team that is practically intact, 
Leonard Kulacki being the only player missing. 

The present varsity season appears to be just as successful as that 
of last year when the team remained undefeated and untied through 
twelve games. Already the squad under the most able tutelage of Coach 
Don Minnegan, sports two victories. After defeating the All-Stars of 
the Baltimore Soccer League 2-1, the Normalites pounced on the Mary- 
land Training School for Boys 3-0. 

The encouraging element in the new season is the fact that there 
are a number of freshmen who have had experience. Coach Minnegan 
reports an ample supply of reserves making it possible for him to show 
two players for each position. The newer faces include Mezick, Smith 
(Towson), and John Wheeler on the forward line; Bennett, Ubersax, 
and Resigno, halfbacks; Tipton and Doug Meigs, backfield, and Lerner 
and Fischal. 

Notice: (A reminder in case they have forgotten or do not know 
is herewith tendered to the male freshmen: that it is the custom of the 
members of their class to challenge the upper classmen in sports) . 

What have the girls been doing in the way of sports? New faces, 
as well as old, are seen in the well-known game of hockey. Competition 
to make the teams will be held the first week of November. It should 
be keen. 

The freshmen are showing up well in practice there being 4 J out. 
The seniors, although two classes are student teaching, number about 20, 
five more than the juniors, the majority of whom are from the first or 
second team of last year. 

One of the interesting reports handed out states the fact that soon 
a hockey league for men is to be established in Baltimore. Those mem- 
bers of the male sex who think that the sport is strictly feminine and 
uncomplimentary to their "rough and readiness" should try it. Many 
of the girls might testify differently as to feminism. 

A good number of the Varsity soccer games will be played at 
home. Those who recall last season, remember the large crowd that 
thrilled at our success over Western Maryland College. Let the team 
know we are behind it by being present on the field. The schedule 
provides for a meeting with some of the leading college teams in the state. 

Theodore Woronka, Senior III. 
Fairfax Brooks, Senior III. 

29 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Blues Win on Playday 

«T"\ lues Overwhelm Reds by Score of 150 to 130." However the 

rS result may be stated, the important thing is not mentioned. The 

"■"■^ fact that everyone participated in an enjoyable afternoon, spelled 

success to the fifth annual play day in the history of the Maryland State 

Normal School. 

On Wednesday, September 26, at 1:30 P. M. both students and 
faculty joined in the exercises which included singing, cheering, march- 
ing, and dancing. Who does not recall the lining up of the two factions, 
the cheers that were given by both groups, the marching about the 
fields — or the dancing Led by the booming drum of lanky Ed. Turner, 
the Blues and the Reds marched up and down the field in military-like 
fashion. To the accompaniment of the music of members of the 
Orchestra, everyone then sang "Stand Up and Cheer." The new mem- 
bers of the school acted like upper classmen as they formed in large 
circles with the others and played "Looby Loo" and "Did You Ever 
See a Lassie." The freshmen men especially proved themselves apt. 

The dispersal of all participants signaled the start of sports activi- 
ties; indoor baseball, volley ball, tennis, kickball, touchdown pass, dodge 
ball, horse-shoes, miniature soccer, hockey, etc. Faculty played just as 
enthusiastically as students, so the events quickly got under way. 

Before all had been concluded, new champions were crowned, new 
friends had been made, and old friendships renewed. 

Theodore Woronka, Senior III. 



Who's Who in Good Posture 

Good posture is an asset that everyone should strive to attain. 
Unfortunately the number who maintain this seems to be small. 
We hope all our students have the knowledge of how to walk 
and stand well, but the following are the few who seem to do so 
habitually. We hope that there will be other names added to this list 
soon. 

Seniors Juniors 

Betty Barnwell Doris Middleton 

Carolyn Gray Miriam Vogelman 

Claire Piehler Freshman 

Catherine Riggs Edith j ones 

Eleanore Sterbak Ruth Spicer 

Virginia Wilson Elizabeth Trott 

30 



It pays to stop at the 
511 York Road Opposite Motion Picture Theatre 

Apparel of ©ant? for tlje Woman Poo (Earra 

The Uptown Store with the Downtown Prices 



You Will Enjoy Our 

SUNDAES and SODAS 

Arundel 
Ice Cream Shoppe 

420 York Road Towson, Md. 

We Deliver at Any Time 

Just Phone Towson 73 



Run right to 

READS 



503-5 York Road 



Towson 



Edward E. Burns M. Frank Burns 

John Burns' Sons 
Funeral Directors 

Towson, Md. 

C. & P. Telephone 205 




TOWSON, MARYLAND 
It's really a hom« whin It's planted by Towton 



"I hear your sister's to be married." 
"Oh, yes." 
"June Bride?" 
"No, April fool." 



* * * * 



Why do you speak of your husband as a theory? 
Because he so seldom works. 



* * * 5^ 



"How did you get that black eye?" 

"I started through a revolving door and changed my mind.' 



* * * * 



A. O. Pi — "I'll have you know that I'm related to the Boones." 
Kappa — "Now I remember, your grandmother's name was Bab." 



Our Junior Miss and Young Fellows' 
Shops on the Fourth Floor are foremost 
in style for the collegiate miss and youth. 

TRe <43b Hub 

" of Charles St." 


£s>amud Ittrfe Se is>on, 3toc. i 

Jewelers » Stationers « Silversmiths 
421 North Charles Street 

DIAMONDS . GOLD JEWELRY 

WRIST WATCHES » FINE STATIONERY 

GIFTS IN SILVERWARE 

Founded 181; 


MASON'S GARAGE & 
SERVICE STATION 

Official AAA Station 
Towson, Md. 
24-Hour Service 


Diamonds Watches Jewelry 

HARRY C. LANGSOOD 

402 York Road, Next to Chesapeake Ave. 
Towson, Md. 

Skilled Watch, Clock, Jewelry, Eye Glass 

and Fountain Pen Repairing 

Diamond Setting 

Birthday Cards Parker Pens Quink 


Compliments 

of 

Hochschild, Kohn & Co. 


LOUISE BEAUTY SHOPPE 

32 York Road 

Smart Distinctive Waves and 
Haircuts at Moderate Prices 

Convenient for Normal School 
Phone: Towson 1022 


JENKINS 

Manufacturer of School 

and College Jewelry 

20 W. Redwood Street 


SOLVE 
the Unenjoyment Problem 

Get the Rex Habit! 

T} T?VTHEATER 

IV H/ .A. 4617-25 York Road 


CHESAPEAKE SANITARY 
BARBER SHOP 

7 W. Chesapeake Avenue 
Towson, Md. 


I. KIRSH 

Ladies' and Gents' Tailors 

Phone 402 York Road 
Tow8on411 Towson, Md. 


Tony Musotto 
Shoe Repairing 

15 W. Chesapeake Avenue 
Towson, Md. 



THOMSEN-ll-El 




THE 



TOWER 
LIGHT 




NOVEMBER, 1934 



«*fe£& 






'-^j'^ 




The Tower Light 




IUaryland State Dotmal School 
at Towson 

T O W S O N , M D . 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

The Poets' Autumn 3 

Poetry 5 

A New Course 9 

Big Bugs in Biology 10 

Excerpts from Ex-Columnist's Diary 11 

In Imagination 14 

Winged Horse Sense 15 

A Sane Way for Looking at Armament and 

Disarmament 16 

The Roosevelt Revolution and the Counter 

Revolution 18 

Book Reviews 20 

A Dream Realized 23 

Editorials 24 

The Lure of Cape Cod 27 

His Last Storm 28 

Meteors for You 28 

Ship Ahoy! 30 

Assemblies 32 

School News 34 

Normal School Sportlight 44 

Case Study 45 

Advertisements 46 



The Tower Light 



Vol. VIII 



NOVEMBER, 1934 



No. 2 



The Poets' Autumn 

". . . But nature whistled with all her winds 
Did as she pleased and went her way." 



"Autumnal frost enchant the pool 
And make the cart-ruts beautiful. 



'. . . And my heart is like a rhyme, 
With the yellow and the purple and 

the crimson keeping time ..." 
'. . . See the frosty asters like smoke 

upon the hill ..." 



Emerson. 



Stevenson. 



Bliss Carman. 



'. . . The woods this autumn day, that ache and sag 
And all but cry with color ..." 

Edna St. Vincent Millay. 

"... A widow bird sate mourning for her love 

Upon a wintry bough; 

The frozen wind crept on above 

The freezing stream below." 

P. B. Shelley. 

"Noon descends, and afternoon 
Autumn's evening meets me soon. 
And that one star, which to her 
Almost seems to minister 
Half the crimson light she brings 
From the sunsets radiant spring ..." 

P. B. Shelley. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



"... Acorns ripe down-pattering 
While the Autumn breezes sing ..." 

J. Keats. 

"... Oft did the harvest to their sickle yield, 
Their furrow oft the stubborn glebe has broke; 
How joicund did they drive their team afield! 
How bow'd the woods beneath their sturdy stroke. 

T. Gray. 

"Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness . . . 
Close bosom-friends of the maturing sun." 

J. Keats. 

"... All around 
leaves sere and brown, 
brown rustling 
over the ground. 
As they move 
like scuttling mice, 
a whispering sound — 
Everywhere 
trees tall and stark 
blackly etched, 
of leaf-dress bare 
Piteous creatures 
Shivering in 
the frosty air." 

Eleanor L. Bowling, '28. 

. . . Then twilight pink and amber 
And a passing promise of snow 
Is whispered through the velvet wood, 
When the autumn moon is low." 

Dell Raley. 

"The banked dark clouds in stern array 
Where evening meets the night. 

Lillian Sundergill, '29. 

"O wild west wind, though breath of Autumn's being, 
Thou from whose unseen presence the leaves dead 
Are driven, like ghosts from an enchanter fleeing, 
Yellow, and black, and pale and hectic red, 
Pestilence-stricken multitudes. ' ' 

Shelley. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



No 

No sun — no moon! 

No morn — no noon — 
No dawn — no dusk — no proper time of day — 

No sky — no earthly view — 

No distance looking blue — 
No road — no street — no "t'other side the way" — 

No end to any Row — 

No indications where the Crescents go — 

No top to any steeple — 
No recognitions of familiar people — 

No courtesies for showing 'em — 

No knowing 'em! 
No travelling at all — no locomotion, 
No inkling of the way — no notion — 

No go — by land or ocean — 

No mail — no post — 

No news from any foreign coast — 
No park — no ring — no afternoon gentility — 

No company — no nobility — 
No warmth, no cheerfulness — no healthful ease, 

No comfortable feel in any member — 
No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees. 

No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds. 
November! 

Thomas Hood. 

All Saint's Eve 

Black and orange streamers 

Lend an eerie air: — 

Pumpkins, broomsticks, 

Goblins, sprites, 

Witches 

There. 

Weird 

Dark . . . grim 

And grotesque 

Hallowe'een world: 

Shadows glower; lights 

Flaring, flicker . . . then dim. 

H. B., Senior III. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Metamorphosis 

Night — 

Empty of students, desolate, 

The silent school 

Gazes anxiously for the Dawn, 

Alone — . 

Dawn — 

The eyelids of the morning 

Open cautiously 

To view a grim building, 

Promise — . 

Morning — 
Pulsating with life, 
A vibrant Normal 
Stands upon the campus, 
Rejoicing — . 

Leonard Woolf, Freshman TV. 



g^jgJ^JS 



November 

A rustling, 

Of little frightened things 

Before a wind. 

A thin cry 

The line of thin trees stark to the sky 

The swift line of wing, sharp to the sky. 

And in the hush 

The troubled hush 

Deep, 

Deep 

A bleeding. 

M. Douglas. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Prelude 

Hands of men builded of brick and stone 

A school — and placed it clean in the wind 

On a hill. 

Deep silence followed clamor. 

The school looked quietly out 

On the hills hugging their purple, 

On the shimmering green of summer mists; 

Felt the tingeing of autumn leaves, 

And held close the deep joy of nights alone. 

Outside — nature. 

Inside the long new halls — a loneliness. 
Echoes of the first footfalls — thin and hollow. 
Soon came a thronging of echoes, 
Came work and children's laughter. 
Something began to stir within the building— 
A slow clumsy awakening to a spirit. 
All loneliness fled. 

It seemed as though in two great kind hands 

Was held a low light-shielded. 

And a voice from the mists of all Beginning 

Cried, "Here is a building. 

You who are rich with understanding 

And wise in the ways of beauty 

Make of this a holy place." 



Marguerite Simmons, '34. 



Editor's Note: 

In a letter of Joy Elmer Morgan, Editor of the National Education Association 
Journal, to Miss Rutledge, we pridefully note that in the American Education Week packet 
for kindergarten-primary teachers, Marguerite Simmons' lovely poem, "Prelude," is 
being used. It appeared in a previous Tower Light, but is again quoted so that we may 
enjoy it once more. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



November 

Autumn in gay and daring brilliance 

Flaunts her magic pennons. 

All the world is sanguine, 

And to its song there's dance and laughter. 

November, bleak and cruel, strips nature of her loveliness 
And leaves a gaunt remnant of a former glory. 
A piercing wind wails a low lament 
To proclaim the end of a dreary task. 



Sophia Leutner. 



tt$J&^£55 



Night of Nights 

Soft breezes blew — and the stars shone through a hazy mist — 
Oh, lovely night of nights when we first had met. 
The stars shone brighter, the air was filled with sweet perfurme. 
Silent, beside me he stood — youth and strength. 

E. Goodhand, Senior VI. 



School 99, Grade 5B 

BRIEF SCIENCE FACTS 

We have a balanced aquarium in our room which has in it fish, 
plants, snails, and a tadpole. 

The oak, sycamore, and honey locust are trees we have studied. 

On a science table we have some fruits from the trees we have 
studied. 

Last week we made some leaf prints. 

We have studied all the parts of the marigold and zinnia. 

Edward Burkhardt made a collection of insects during the summer 
and we have it in our room. 

In our insect box we had a praying mantis and some grasshoppers. 

A turtle also lives in our room. 

From The Chatterer* Room 28. 



*An experiment at newspaper writing being carried on in Miss Deppenbrock's Fifth 
Grade class. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



A New Course 

HAVE you been wondering at the significance of the table in the 
main library captioned Education 400? This table was reserved 
by the Fourth Year Senior Specials for exhibiting material 
of their Educational Elective Course. By the time this article appears, 
the table may be labelled Capitalism, or Fascism. 

The Educational Elective Course was a new one, designed for a 
new group — students voluntarily returning for a fourth year. It was 
felt that this group would be mature enough to benefit from an elective 
seminar course, such as is offered graduate students of all higher uni- 
versities. Such a course designates the meeting of a group of faculty 
and students, to discuss vital questions. 

The outcomes of the first meeting, were that all the students 
wholeheartedly declared in favor of the course, and that meetings were 
to be held in the form of informal discussions guided by chosen prob- 
lems. Now what were these problems to be? No intelligent person can 
today glance at a newspaper, turn on his radio, or simply watch the 
ordinary flow of life about him, without being literally engulfed by 
the present and future issues of the world. 

The first problem we attacked was this : What effect do Capitalism, 
Communism, and Fascism have on the schools in the countries in which these 
types of government exist? This is a big order. It necessitates much read- 
ing, sane thinking, and intepreting, but we find it to be a significant 
problem, and a challenge. 

That we may both understand the big movements of the day, and 
be able to apply our understanding intelligently, we have included 
attendance of special meetings, movies, radio programs and outside 
speakers in our scope of activities. We have tried to base our discus- 
sions on the results of sane research, rather than on the coloring of our 
personal emotions and attitudes. In studying the Communism of 
Russia, we considered the Russian background geographically and 
historically, through talks given by Mr. Walther and Miss Bader. An 
insight into the first and second Five Year Plans, gave us a basis for 
interpreting the present trends of Russian education and mode of life. 

Can you see a value in such a course? Do you feel it is a good thing 
for a teacher to be well-informed and sane concerning the burning prob- 
lems of a seething, and nigh topsy-turvy world — problems that must 
be faced, either hysterically or sanely? 

We invite you to talk to us about this course, and to look over 
our material which may be found in the library and in the browsing- 
room. We find it stimulating! 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Big Bugs in Biology 

It's a long way from amphioxus 

It's a long way to us 

It's a long way from amphioxus 

To the meanest human cus. 

It's goodbye fins and gill slits, 

Welcome skin and hair. 

It's a long way from amphioxus 

But we came from there. 

And so you see how some of the biology is learned at that one and 
only place, Woods Hole, Mass. All you Freshmen in Science 101 would 
be delighted with your course if you could just but know some of these 
delightful people that write your books about Mitosis and Maturation 
and Cleavage and all those most awful processes you are striving to 
understand. 

The students of the Marine Biological Laboratory learn to know 
such people as Wilson, Parker, Conklin, Morgan, Newman, Stockard 
and other textbook friends. They are real friends to them. And they 
sing in this strain about them. 

There are bugs that make us happy 
There are bugs that make us sore 
There are bugs that spoil our dispositions 
Till we never want to see them more. 
There are bugs so very complicated 
That their heads from tails we cannot tell 
But the bugs that fill our hearts with sunshine 
Are the bugs from the M.B.L. 

Like all of us, these big bugs do funny things and have very inter- 
esting experiences. Did you know that Dr. Morgan who did the work 
on drosphila, the fruit fly, won the Nobel Prize last year? You should 
hear him tell about his trip to Stockholm last spring to receive the 
prize. It is nice to know a man who has had such a distinction be- 
stowed upon him. 

I can tell you a funny joke on Dr. Parker. At Woods Hole your 
appetite is simply tremendous and you are always eating between meals. 
We were all going off on a collecting trip on the laboratory boat. Dr. 
Parker was standing on the wharf eating a 10c pie, watching us get 
started. "My, but this pie is tough!" he said. We all laughed when 
we looked up and saw he was biting through the paper plate, pie and 
all. 

10 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Here's to Conklin with his rep 

He lectures with a lot of pep 

He tells the origin of life 

And shows us how to choose a wife. 

Would you think this bug would spend most of his summer roll- 
ing stones — I mean big rocks — building stone steps and walls, chopping 
down trees and incidentally and accidently cutting off his foot with 
the axe? He is delighted when his three-year old grandson Edwin 
Grant, shows an interest in ants and they spend much time talking 
together. 

If you would like to find out what kind of a dog you are, Dr. 
Stockard can tell you just where you belong. Maybe you are a lap 
dog or a St. Bernard according to your glands. 

However, Woods Hole is the place, and if you ever get anywhere 
near it, call on these people and enjoy real bugs. Take it from one who 
knows, the daughter of Heredity and Environment. 

Mary Conklin Maslin. 

Excerpts from the Diary of an 
Ex-Columnist 

JUNE 
Tuesday, iz — Today was commencement. And now, little diary, I see 
a big, "Little Man, What Now," written all over your pages. What 
does the next few months hold in store for me? Well, as some euphe- 
mistic idiot once said, "Time will tell!" 

Monday, 19 — We (the Industrial Arts class) made up the last of those 
classes we "missed" today. That means we are free for the summer!! 

Thursday, 29 — Guess what! Sammy called me up today and told me; 
that we are going to take a week's cruise up the James River! What 
was that? Is there work attached? Of course! It's an orchestra engage- 
ment and a soft one at that. Just a coupla hours each evening and the 
rest of the time to laze around, puff at my pipe, and dream. And 
they say the food is nothing short of wonderful — best chefs, delightful 
concoctions — oh, everything — . Gosh, I'm sorry you don't have a 
stomach. I — I am neither gourmet nor epicurean — . Just a hungry- 
fellow with a well developed appetite. (I know mom calls it a "tape- 
worm," but then she's always kiddin' anyway.) Job starts tomorrow. 
Good-night! 

11 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



JULY 

Sunday, i — Boy! This is the life! Plenty of good books, tins and tins 
of tobacco, hours and hours of time and I'm in the center of it all! 
Don't wake me up! 

Wednesday, 4 — Celebrated the 4th by shooting fireworks into the mil- 
lions of stars that are visible from the upper decks. The excitement 
proved a little too much and 2 a.m. found me wrapped in a light 
coat and stretched out in a comfy arm-chair on the fore deck. The 
gentle swishing of the water against the prow of the boat soon lulled 
me into a doze from which I must have fallen asleep. I awoke about 
3.30 a.m., almost frozen and slightly damp. I'm writing this as I lie 
here toasting in my upper bunk. 

Saturday, 7 — Home again! And a letter awaiting that contained an in- 
vitation to visit my bachelor cousin, Carl, in New York. Says to come 
up the third week of July. Hooray! At last — one week in N.Y. Secret 
ambition No. 5 come true!! 

Saturday, 28 — 4 a.m. — So this is N.Y. I've been here since 5 o'clock 
yesterday eve and I believe I've walked at least thirty miles. Carl met 
me, checked my things, and started me "en tour." I've seen the East 
Side, the Bowery (where the bums sleep on the sidewalk with their 
heads on old newspaper or rags for a pillow). Chinatown, where in 
spite of my better judgment, my skin would go all "goose-fleshy." 
I've seen the business district and several millions of buildings as a 
side dish . . . This Carl is a wonderful fellow. He knows the cost of 
construction of nearly every building and the rental on any floor! 
Whataman! Had a late dinner at the Hotel Taft where I listened to 
Emil Velasquez' music as I dined . . . Finished up in Greenwich Village. 
Tell you more about it tomorrow ... or should I say today? 

Saturday, 28 — 10. }o a.m. — Dear little book, I don't know where to 
start. The Village is such a kaleidoscopic place. We visited nearly 
every place in the Village, including the atelier of some of Carl's artist 
friends . . . The last place was the "Gipsy Tavern," a quaint little 
place wherein you are chiseled for drinks, cigarettes, carfare . . . even 
your handkerchief! Everyone talks as loud, sings as loud, and dances 
just as he feels like doing . . . the tables are wide boards on which 
appear the names of many of the stage and screen . . . the walls are 
nearly covered with pencil and crayon sketches . . . the orchestra is 
the best I ever heard . . . it's all crazy, Bohemian, topsy-turvy. 

12 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



AUGUST 

Thursday, z — Well, I leave for home tomorrow eve. Almost a full week 
in N.Y. and I've been everywhere. The Park Central and Joe Reichman's 
orchestra, the Casino and Eddie Duchin, the Waldorf-Astoria and their 
fifty-piece orchestra. What a place!! The Art Museum, the Museum of 
Natural History, the new New York Museum, the Library, Radio 
City and the Music Hall . . . Riverside Drive . . . the Bronx Zoo, 
wherein I met many charming artist people who were sketching the 
animal life . . . I'll bet I haven't had thirty hours of sleep since I've 
been here! Poor Carl! I guess he's just about done in! 

Friday, $ — Surprise! I'm not going home after all!! My cousin, Mac, 
who has a place in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts dropped in 
Carl's place this morning and he's taking me up there for a few weeks! 
We leave tomorrow night. 

Wednesday, 8 — I've been here four days now and I still can't get used to 
the cold, cold, weather. Imagine wearing two sweaters and a coat in 
August! And the people laugh at the way I speak . . . they should hear 
some of the gals from Southern Maryland! 

Gee, this is God's country. We're three and a half miles up a 
mountain side . . . and the same distance from the nearest neighbor. 
I run around in Mac's old Star truck. It possesses four wheels, very 
little brakes, and steers like a sailboat without a keel! Lots of fun 
going down a narrow, dirt, mountain road. 

Wednesday, 22 — Almost three weeks are gone and I've gained ten 
pounds, picked raspberries, blackberries, huckleberries, and blueber- 
ries . . . milked cows, pitched hay, chopped wood, and pumped water 
from a well . . . walked out two pairs of shoes and seen deer, red 
squirrels, mountain lions and fox . . . learned to do the Square Dance, 
Virginia Reel, Round Dance, etc ... It still seems funny to me . . . 

Wednesday, 2g — Received mail from the LA. gang today. Kinsey's a 
councillor at a camp in the Adirondacks . . . Maleski (sometimes called 
Mose) is a lifeguard at one of the park pools, Silverman (who had sev- 
eral aliases) is also councillor but at a day camp in Green Spring val- 
ley . . . Clayman is managing a barbecue lunch over at Park Circle and 
says he's seen numbers of the Normal School crowd there at intervals 
during the summer . . . Bachman is also working at one of the pools . . . 
Nichols is vacationing at Salsibury and Ocean City . . . Gee, but I miss 
the bunch . . . there never was a better gang of fellows . . . 

13 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



SEPTEMBER 

Saturday, i — Well, here I am, right back where I started from. Good 
old desk . . . Little book, even tho you are travel-worn, you still look 
good to me because within you are contained some of the best experi- 
ences of my life. 

Herman Miller, '34. 

In Imagination 

I am what I will myself to be. 

Though the world make me a part of it 

I am still my own. 

If I say to myself, 

"You are no mortal; you are a star," 

Then I am a star 

And I ascend the black sky 

And laugh down at the earth. 

My spirit can make me the green earth too. 

I cover deep mines of gold. 

I am a home for a field of corn 

And I am rich with yellow pumpkins, 

Better than gold. 

Silk-skinned moles burrow through my heart, 

And I am happy because I am Life. 

I can be the richest in all the world 

If the world should will it of me. 

I can build happiness 

Or I can tear it apart. 

I can make a nation 

Or I can wreck it with the havoc of war. 

But I would rather sit in my lonely room, 

A negative among a million others 

Than be of reality and buy the world. 

I want no riches. 

I want only my thoughts that can make of me 

The Life and the Light of the Universe. 

Margaret Cooley, Senior I. 
14 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



"Winged Horse Sense" 

IT was indeed an unusually delightful experience that the Maryland 
State Teachers enjoyed when Joseph Auslander shared with them 
some of his thoughts, exquisite in beauty; and, in so doing, revealed 
a charming personality, commensurate with his poetry. Before read- 
ing two or his poems, Mr. Auslander in urging us to think a little less 
of life in material terms said, "... I plead for poetic faith — in things 
you cannot sell or buy — things of the spirit . . . The Lincoln I believe 
in is ten feet tall, whose stove pipe hat brushes the stars . . . The Lin- 
coln I believe in is lonely, sick at heart . . . The Lincoln I believe in is 
a lover of people, a dreamer, a poet who has made mistakes, but who 
saved a nation. I think we need that kind of believing more and more. 
We are too cynical and hard. I shall go with the children, because the 
child makes and lives in his world . . . The child doesn't believe in 
dreams; he is a dream. He does not have to enter the kingdom, it is 
within him ... I love the pure, lovely, horizontal look that children 
have. When a child looks at a flower, a sunset, a toy or a doll, he is 
that flower, or that sunset, he becomes that toy or doll. William Blake 
did that, he was a child all his life. Civilization's greatest curse is 
— growing up. We become educated . . . The lovely identification with 
dreams is educated out of us. We become modern, good citizens — 
miserable people. Blake, on coming back from a walk on a wet day 
said, "I have just seen a tree full of angels and touched the sky with 
my stick." And he did ... a child would understand that; it's only we 
that don't . . ." 

In relating his first experience talking with a group of children, 
Mr. Auslander told how in answer to his question, "What is Poetry?" 
a little girl of eight years, who looked as if "she had just finished 
washing her face in a bowl of star-dust — she had that star-stricken 
look — " said, "I think I'll tell you first what prose is . . . Prose is all 
straight up and down the margins. Poetry is wiggly, and when you 
swallow it, it wiggles inside." 

With the reading of two of his poems, Joseph Auslander closed his 
lecture to rush off to catch a train for New Jersey, leaving behind him 
an admiring audience which had becomeenvelopedinanew and delight- 
ful atmosphere of dreams. 

M. S. L. 



15 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



"A Sane Way for Looking at Armament 
and Disarmament for the United States" 

Address by Dr. James T. Shot well 

NO attempt to reproduce the fine address given by Dr. Shotwell 
to the teachers of Maryland on Friday afternoon, October 26, 
1934 could do it justice for the clarity of thought, the sincerity, 
and forceful delivery of the speaker himself would be lost. Suffice it 
here to mention a few of the salient facts as understood by a more eager 
than capable listener. 

Before the World War we thought peace a moral attitude. In 1914 
the problem of peace ceased to be theoretic and became vivid reality. 
We adopted the slogan: "This War is a War to End War." How can 
we rid ourselves of the menace of war? The problem of getting rid of 
war is so new and the instrument of war so old that it constitutes the 
greatest problem of our time. War has built as well as destroyed civili- 
zations. It has been the instrument by which humanity has been sure 
of its game. Our task lies in using the intelligence we have and awaken- 
ing our powers of observation and interpretation in dealing with the 
problem. 

The problem of armaments as we know it today developed as a 
result of the industrial revolution when steel became available for use 
in the making of instruments of destruction. The American Civil War 
marked the first great epoch in this transition to the use of armaments. 
Since then each country has been trying to win the race in accumulat- 
ing more and more weapons of defence and offense. In dealing with the 
problem a country should ask itself, "Do I need armaments?" If you 
are in a situation where you need armaments you need the best. 

Many people believe that the World War came out of the race in 
armaments. This is hardly true. The World War was the result of a 
situation in Europe which rested upon the thought that war was neces- 
sary in order to enforce rights. If armaments are legal, then one can 
draw the logical conclusion that war is legal. The World War was a 
school for progress in the science of destruction, for at its conclusion 
we had advanced centuries ahead of theretofore. Progress since then 
has been greater than during the war itself. 

How are we to deal with this great problem of armaments? In 
America we tried to deal with it by dissociating it from other problems. 
People must stop thinking that by deciding upon arithmetical symbols 

16 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



such as 3:5:3 and expecting nations to reduce their armaments propor- 
tionately they have reached the solution. The era of arithmetic in our 
history of armaments is contrary to common sense. 

The Disarmament Conference recently adjourned and, deemed a 
failure by many, accomplished work of value which we have failed to 
realize. Although it did not accomplish the impossible in applying the 
arithmetical formulas desired, it did carry the knowledge or the prob- 
lem of disarmament far and gave us valuable scientific technique of use 
in the hoped for solution. 

The problem of disarmament is not yet solved because the countries 
involved persist in putting armaments before security. Security is a 
mental state. It acts like a state of health. If you have it you do not 
know that you do. Only those suffering from weakness of health arrive 
at a realization. There are two kinds of security — artificial and natural. 
Natural security is the healthy type of security and lies in safety from 
danger. The greater the distance from danger, the greater the security. 
In the broadest sense the United States has the utmost natural security, 
for with oceans on either side of her she is well protected from most 
foreign powers. All countries are not so fortunate. In most of them 
armaments must take the place of natural barriers. The degree of 
security becomes less and less as modern transportation and communi- 
cation narrows distance. The rapidity with which airplanes make long 
distance flights and prove their powers as carriers at sea shows how 
easily they may endanger security. 

Can we get rid of war? If so, then there will be no need for arma- 
ments. It is doubtful, however, that we shall ever be rid of war. At 
any rate, we will not stop wars by merely denouncing them. We must 
find effective substitutes for war. These substitutes must not fail in a 
crisis. The more we trust them the more instrumental they will be in 
preserving peace. Today there are three effective substitutes for war — 
diplomacy, the World Court, and arbitration through the League of 
Nations. To what extent they will be supported and used for the pro- 
motion of peace and security remains to be seen. 



Reported by Adelaide Tober. 



17 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Roosevelt Revolution and 
the Counter Revolution 

By Will Durant 

WE are to use the term Roosevelt Revolution only very loosely 
as Roosevelt is a conservatist and his aim is to preserve the 
essential factors of the American Economic System of life. 
We of the 20th century are viewing a four fold drama : 1st, a con- 
flict between the East and West, i.e., a conflict between the Orient and 
the Occident — a conflict in which Japan is making a violent effort to 
throw off the dominance of Europe. 2nd, a battle between religion 
and atheism which is of a greater importance to every nation and every 
individual than the conflict between the East and West. Our very 
civilization is based on belief in a spiritual power. Many nations have 
risen and fallen during this battle but we, of the 20th century, are to 
see the supreme struggle of Christianity for life. 3rd, Democracy vs. 
dictatorship — a war of political methods. Democracy has made us 
rich and today it has made us poor. A dictator has spread wealth but 
has taken away the freedom and liberty of the people. True, men are 
not created equal — but all can and should have equal rights. To this 
end, democracy was established; today only the English speaking peo- 
ple stand for democracy. 4th, the struggle of Economic Systems. The 
Roosevelt Revolution is a result of the concentration of wealth by 
a few people. As previously stated, men are created unequal — some are 
dull, some are bright, and some are clever. The clever ones will find 
a way to collect the wealth to themselves and leave the others with a 
bare existence. The more liberty man has, the more he wants; the 
more equality he wants, the less liberty he can have. Russia has aban- 
doned liberty in favor of equality. As a result of this policy, the over- 
balanced condition tends to destroy wealth, as does a revolution. 

The main job of the President is to re-distribute the wealth of the 
nation; to do this it is necessary to have internal mass consumption in 
order to keep up mass production. Our system of production depends 
upon European markets, which, as we know were closed to us after the 
World War. Not having a market for our products produced by mass 
production our industrial system collapsed. Some solution is necessary; 
and there are only two ways out : (1) to raise the consumption ability 
of the American people and (2) to close the factories. Trust the Ameri- 
cans to do the wrong things; we closed the factories. There remains but 
one solution to the problem now confronting us, i.e., raise the wage of 

18 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



the employees, thus increasing the purchasing power of the people. The 
existence of this condition is the essential cause of the Roosevelt Revo- 
lution. 

Our partial recovery is due to the slight alleviation of the burden 
of debt, along with the increase of the farmers' purchasing powers, 
brought about by the Roosevelt agriculture program. However, while 
the agriculture program has succeeded, the industrial program has 
failed. The N.R.A. was organized by the government at the request 
of the business men for federal regulation or trade. The codes, one for 
each industry, were drawn up by the leaders of industry; the only ex- 
ception is the abolition of child labor. These codes have lowered the 
highest wage and have raised the lowest wage of the people — this did 
not change the purchasing power of the people. The codes allow for 
re-employment but during the last year there has only been an increase 
of 4 per cent in employment. This is due primarily to the failure of busi- 
ness to cooperate with the N.R.A. and its codes, which industry wrote. 

Now, we are watching from the side lines a Counter Revolution 
being waged by the leaders of industry against the new deal. Recovery 
cannot be successful unless it is supported by everybody. We must look 
upon the fact that the complaints against the N.R.A. codes are being 
made by the men who drew them up. 

The actual situation, at the present time is this: the bankers and 
capitalists have refused to lend money to finance the needy industries; 
what happens? The industries refuse to employ. When the capitalists 
refuse to lend money the central government must do so. When industry 
refuses to employ the central government must do so — hence the Fed- 
eral Emergency Relief Association, and the Civilian Conservation 
Corps. 

Industrial Society depends on the labor of intellectual skill as in 
contrast to an Agricultural Society. Unless planned measures are taken 
to balance these two factors and to reemploy and to revive industry the 
American Economic System will continue in the cycle it is running 
through at the present time — namely; a period of rapid growth fol- 
lowed by a period of rapid collapse and chaos. In closing, Dr. Durant 
stated that every teacher, regardless of party affiliations must give his 
whole hearted support to the "new deal." 

Reported by Earl Palmer. 



19 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



'The Book Nook" 

YEARS Are So Long" by Josephine Lawrence. New York, Frederick 
A. Stokes Company, 1934. Miss Lawrence has maintained that 
"rolling stones have all the sense," but contrary to her view she 
has remained for several years a staff member of the Newark Sunday Call. 

We are glad that her association has been with a newspaper that 
devotes, in its publication, a department to the answering of legal 
questions. For gleaned from her newspaper experiences Miss Lawrence 
has written a novel of engrossing interest which presents to both 
parents and children a direct and vital challenge. 

The principal characters depicted in "Years Are So Long" do not 
exist merely as one Barkley Cooper, his wife Lucy, and their five chil- 
dren: George, Nellie, Cora, Richard and Addie. Instead, the old couple, 
Bark and Lucy, are the embodiment of all old people who in their 
declining years have become dependent. The five children are repre- 
sentative members of that large class of small minded individuals whose 
imaginative powers reach only to colorless dwellings. 

We feel genuine pity for Barkley and Lucy when we realize that 
the uneventful serene existence of their early life evolves into the un- 
pleasant vicissitudes of their later years. 

Barkley Cooper, at the age of seventy is no longer able to hold a 
position. He demands and expects his children to provide a home for 
him. The children listen to his paternal demands, but due to their own 
financial difficulties force the old man to agree to their terms of settle- 
ment. 

Bark and Lucy discover none of the serene restfulness, so vital to 
the happiness of old people, in the homes of their children where they 
are forced to reside separated from each other and by turn. All of the 
homes lack the seclusion and peacefulness, the comfort and relaxation 
which all old people require. 

Barkley, consequently, ceases to struggle against the forces which 
limit his daily life, for his ineffectual efforts are thwarted by his chil- 
dren. We are not sorry when he dies — the last year of his life had been 
too painful. 

Miss Lawrence in her presentation of the conflict that exists be- 
tween the members of two generations has handled her material most 
adroitly. The views of the old and the young people have been pre- 
sented almost entirely by the use of the conversational method. 

The story offers no definite solution to the problem, but the book 
is an emphatic treatise which urges a more careful consideration of the 
problem of old age dependency in the modern world. 

The Reviewer. 



20 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Men Against Death 

By Paul de Kruif 

MEN against death — just three small words used by all in every 
walk of life. That is what one first thinks, but they screen a 
great deal. Men against Death. Who are these mere mortals 
that have the audacity to go against death? Why do they? It's the old 
story — Life is sweet. Paul de Kruif wrote this book as a tribute to 
those men who have given us the chances for a longer life. 

First, there are the three doctors: Semmelweis, Banting, and 
Minot. Semmelweis — the savers of mothers — "was only a plain doctor 
afire to find a safe way for mothers to have their babies.' The Hun- 
garian found it, but today's biggest medical scandal is the thousands 
of needless deaths every year of American women from childbed fever 
because our doctors fail to practice the forgotten Hungarian's simple 
art of keeping out blood poisoning — by cleanliness. There is the story 
of Banting's discovery of insulin. What stubbornness and grit! The 
odds he had to overcome! Then there is Minot*, who, without Bant- 
ing's insulin to save his life, would never have lived long enough to 
trick pernicious anemia. This is the first utterly incurable ill in all his- 
tory for which men have found something life saving. All three, Sem- 
melweis, Banting, and Minot intensely hated to see so much human 
suffering — therefore the earnest desire to fight death. 

Everyone in the United States ought to be thankful that there is a 
red brick building on a hill in Washington, D.C., overlooking the 
Potomac River. In this building we meet scientists who make us hold 
our breaths by the "don't-give-a-damn" way they face the most dan- 
gerous enterprises. No one in that building knows what it is to give 
up. We have Spencer, of the United States Public Health Service, who 
risked his life to find a vaccine for Rocky Mountain Spotted fever. 
Next, we have Alice Evans — just one of the many cow bacteriologists. 
It was she who removed one great danger lurking in the American milk 
supply — undulant fever. Pasteurization put an end to undulant fever, 
but it took time before the American billion dollar milk industry began 
to pasteurize milk. At first men scoffed at Miss Evans's findings, but 
the whole world was awakened to the dangers of unpasteurized 
milk by the prevalence of the fever. In the meanwhile, the microbes 
made a wreck of Miss Evans's health — taking the best years. She has 
never recovered. Then we have McCoy, who was a true general. This 



*Dr. Minot, along with two other doctors, has just recently been awarded the 1934 
Nobel Prize in Medicine for his excellent work toward curing pernicious anemia. 

21 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



director of the red building showed the world he could do something 
besides direct. In 1930 — not so long ago and right in this locality — 
there was a sudden spread of parrot fever. It was up to those at the red 
brick building to stop the spread of this fever. When those working 
on the disease contracted it, McCoy figuratively shoved all workers 
out of the lab — even the colored boys who cleaned — and went to work 
to stop the spread of the disease. He did. All kinds of negligible 
deaths have been stopped by the workers of the red brick building. 

Book III gives the story of man's fight against that pale horror — 
syphilis. Schaudinn was the first to discover the cure of the sickness 
which along with cancer is one of humanity's two worst enemies. This 
was one time when the scientific world became excited about a dis- 
covery. Who wouldn't? This disease had caught millions and millions 
of people from early days to the present. Bordet spotted the pale hor- 
ror's hiding place; but, as often happens, the famous Wassermann 
blood test was not called by the name of Bordet. No wonder the 
Swedes gave Wagner-Jauregg the Nobel Prize! Who would think that 
fever could be friendly? Wagner-Jauregg relieved those who were 
afflicted by setting fever going in those who were insane with general 
paralysis. He made those patients sane. Today we have a radio fever 
machine doing the work that it took Wagner-Jauregg years and years 
to perfect. 

Lastly, there is the group of men who found that the energy of 
light may be death's worst enemy. Because there wasn't enough sun- 
light in Denmark, Finsen invented a sun machine to cure skin tuber- 
culosis. He died before he could improve on the work he had started, 
but, unknowingly, the light hunter had made far off disciples. Up in 
the Swiss Alps, Rollier showed that Old Doctor Sun not only guards 
us from throat and lung diseases but also acts as a germicide and anti- 
septic. Ove Strandberg had the nerve to use machine sunlight on those 
who were in the last stages of consumption — on those who had been 
given their death sentence by every doctor. With few exceptions, all 
were cured. 

Certainly, one can't help lauding these men. The biographer's use 
of lavish praise is readily forgiven when one knows that had insulin 
been discovered while Mr. de Kruif's father was alive, he would not 
have had to suffer so much from diabetes. I, too, give a prayer of 
thanks to these death fighters, for it was only yesterday that I heard 
my favorite uncle has diabetes — at least there will be the insulin to 
relieve his suffering. Paul de Kruif's point of view is wholly impartial. 
Where credit is to be given, it is given generously; otherwise, the author 
presents the facts and lets the reader judge for himself. For example, 
de Kruif states that Semmelweis was not the martyr most biographers 
paint him; in fact, de Kruif becomes sarcastic and says they are too 

22 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



poetic. Chronic meningitis, atrophied brain, degeneration in one's 
spinal column are not the result of neglect or persecution. The biogra- 
pher gives credit to Bordet for his excellent work on blood testing and 
explains why the world knows that blood test by Wasserman's name. 
There is a wealth of scientific information in this book, accurately and 
well written. Mystery, thrills, drama, tragedies, humor, irony — all 
in one book so full of interest that it grips one beyond words. 

E. W., Senior I. 

A Dream Realized 

FALL "housecleaning" has begun in the Glen. The woodland has 
been freed from unsightly and dangerous ivies by student members 
under the Federal Emergency Relief Administration in prepara- 
tion for the proposed development and conservation of forest and bird 
life. 

The program, available through the Maryland Emergency Relief 
Administration, is under the direction of Miss Stella Brown, State 
Normal Faculty Adviser. Mr. Prince and Mr. Vanderplogh, represen- 
tatives of the Maryland State Forestry Department, have prepared for 
the planting of 800 assorted species of trees, shrubs and evergreens in 
concentrated sections throughout the Glen; a worthy and invaluable 
contribution to the beauty of the grounds and to the educational facil- 
ities of the student body. 

Through the geological and technical observation by the engineer 
on the site, facilities were discovered for the exhibition of water plants 
in easily accessible Botany Pools which border upon nature trails that 
wend their way through Concentration Gardens and over rustic 
bridges. Shelters, too, will be improvised for class observation of Field 
Geology and Natural History, where source material is readily avail- 
able. Sectioned along these trails, will be preserves for wild plants, 
flowers and birds in their natural and appropriate setting. 

Aside from its scientific value, the Glen, as a completed project, 
presents a background for the recreation and enjoyment of both the 
Faculty and the Student Body alike. Let us look forward to the forth- 
coming seasons when its woodland will resound to the happy laughter 
of the elementary student at play, its trails beckon invitingly to the 
undergraduate, and its mirrored pools reflect the smiles of the eldest 
alumni. 

Carl D. Storey, Civil Engineer, 
Glen Project. 

23 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Tower Light 

Published monthly by the students of the Maryland State 
Normal School at Towson 

STUDENT EDITORS 
Editor Managing Editor 

Mary-Stewart Lewis Mary Douglas 

Business Manager 
Earl Palmer 

Circulation Managers Advertising Managers 

Mary B. Yeager ^ ARI ™ CuNNINGHAM 

Elsie Meiners 
Irene Shank Justus Meyer 

Dorothea Stinchcomb -Betty Rust 

DEPARTMENT EDITORS 
Assembly Athletics General Literature 

Ruth Keir Theodore Woronka Edward Turner 

Helene Ziegler Fairfax Brooke 

Poetry Social Secretarial Staff 

Herman Bainder Mary Bucher Hilda Farbman 

Science Elizabeth Goodhand Dorothy Gonce 

Edith Waxman Margaret Clark 

Library Music 

Ruth Hale Sarena Fried Humor 

Thomas Johnson Gene Benbow 

$1.50 per year 20 cents per copy 

Alice Munn, Faculty Adviser 



Shall Maryland Neglect Radio ? 

AT present, Maryland is apparently ignoring what promises to be- 

/^ come the greatest single influence in the development of our 

-* ^-nation. That is the magic carpet in every home — the radio. It 

is difficult to believe that when (in 1933) twenty-eight or more states 

24 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



already maintain educational broadcasting stations, a presumably pro- 
gressive system such as Maryland's takes little or no action. 

Today, it is easy to see the vast extent to which radio programs 
have affected our everyday life. Our jokes — songs — opinions — quota- 
tions — are not all these heard through a loudspeaker? True, the sound 
movie is a great power — but the radio is and will become a greater 
power! At home, while we dress in the morning, while we eat, at the 
corner drugstore, in the auto we drive to work, the radio is constantly 
impressing, repeating — ideas — music — song. 

Said Calvin Coolidge, "A new social force ... is being developed 
by radio waves. The time may not be far away when it will be possible 
to have a receiving set in the home that will produce a sound motion 
picture . . . Central stations may be able to receive and broadcast to 
the eye and ear."* 

So tremendous a force is difficult to comprehend. A deep and urgent 
need is at hand for learning to control and use these new inventions, 
lest they prove of real danger in untrained hands. We dare not wait 
'til the morrow. Let us begin at once! Maryland educators must not 
fall behind, but rather, should strive to catch up in radio education and 
to take their place among those who are leading the nation! 

Charles Meigs, Senior III. 

^Washington Post, February 14, 193 1. 

Freshmen Mothers' Week-End 

THE school event that looms closest, as the Tower Light nears its 
November printing, is Freshmen Mothers' Week-End. No school 
function is probably now more fixed with us as an institution, nor 
more valuable. Its prime purpose is to establish understanding and 
cooperation between the parents of our Freshman students and the 
Normal School, by making a contact between the two, and giving the 
opportunity for interchange of ideas and points of view. 

The program, as drawn up for the week-end, gives one an idea of 
the many-sidedness of the interests to be touched upon. 

Friday, November 2 

Afternoon — Welcome at Newell Hall. 

6.00 — Dinner at the dormitory. 

6.30 — Social hour and group singing. 

7.00 — Tour of the dormitory, kitchen and infirmary. 

7.30 — Personal appointments with daughters and sons. 

25 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Saturday, November } 

10.00 — Opportunity for sight-seeing trip around Baltimore and Loch Raven or shop- 
ping in Baltimore or seeing school campus. (For sight-seeing trip the mothers 
are the guests of the school.) 
1 2 . 30 — Luncheon . 

1 :00-4.00 — Individual conferences with Dr. Anna S. Abercrombie, School Physician — 
Infirmary. 

Topic: The Health Record of Daughters and Sons. 
2.00-4.00 — Individual conferences of mothers and daughters or sons with Scholarship 

Committee, advisers and instructors of Freshman classes — Foyer. 
3.00-4.00 — Tea served in the Foyer. 

4.00 — Discussion meeting with Dr. Tall, advisers and all members of the faculty- 
Richmond Hall. (F° r mothers only.) 

Topic: Fitting the Students to the School and the School to the Students. 
6.00 — Dinner at the dormitory for all Freshmen, their mothers and members of the 

faculty. 
6.30 — Social hour in the Foyer. 
7.30 — Personal appointments with daughters and sons. 

Sunday, November 4 

Morning — Opportunity to visit the churches and meet the pastors. 
1.00 — Dinner for mothers and fathers of resident Freshmen. 
Afternoon — Farewell . 

As can be seen, there will be opportunity for individual confer- 
ences, for serious group discussion, and for social recreation. It is in 
preparation for this latter phase of the work that the Freshmen and 
some of the upper classmen are now concerned. An informal enter- 
tainment, typical of recreation at the Normal School, has grown to be 
a part of the Saturday evening dinner and social hour. Shall we risk 
a preview of them now? That is a dangerous venture, when those who 
read will also have seen and heard between the writing of this and the 
coming of the Tower Light from the press. You will know more than 
the writer of this article. You will have heard the Orchestra playing 
from the balcony in the dining room. You will remember the singing 
and the stunts, so as to know how well the lady "passed by," whether 
Grandma's Grunts were musical, whether the Spinning Song episode 
and the fox hunt reached a happy ending for the fox, whether the 
Seniors danced as acrobatically as was expected, whether old-fashioned 
girls were really as charming as their modern counterparts, whether 
pirates are as fierce as those you read about in story books, whether — 
parking on park benches is as dangerous a pastime as it was in 1860; 
in short, you will know many things which no prophet could possibly 
foresee, and which words would probably fail to describe. So just check 
up to see how many of the above problems you can solve now that 
November 3 is past, and add your own comments. 

26 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Lure of Cape Cod 

ANEW England day was drawing to a close as some travelers jour- 
neying southward from historic Plymouth, came to the parting 
>• of the way. Should they take the homeward route or should 
they yield to the almost irresistible impulse to explore that promontory 
off the coast of New England, Cape Cod? The decision was made and 
the journey eastward began. 

At once there came to mind a geographic picture of this land. 
They visualized a long, narrow, sickle shaped strip of low, sandy land 
about sixty-five miles in length and from two to eight miles in width, 
extending far into the Atlantic Ocean. 

The historic picture might be even more inspiring. It resembled a 
bent arm which beckoned in the past to the European civilizations 
across the sea to come and claim the vast lands which lay beyond. It 
might seem that in answer to this call, the Pilgrim fathers crossed the 
perilous sea and found a safe haven in the circle of this arm. Had it not 
been for the rocky and forbidding shore, these pioneer settlers would 
have made this peninsula their permanent home. 

The scenery of Cape Cod is unique. Traveling from one village to 
another, the rays of the setting sun revealed the beauties of a land which 
for centuries has been swept by fierce winds and lashed by dashing 
waves. 

Before reaching the end of the cape, the route led directly north- 
ward and rugged mountain peaks loomed in the distance. These peaks 
apparently formed a barrier between the traveler and the raging waters 
beyond. Once the travelers had adventured this far, there was an irre- 
sistible urge to explore what lay beyond, even to the end of the Cape. 

On entering the quaint village of Provincetown, with its houses 
almost overshadowing its narrow and ill-lighted streets, one might 
imagine he was visiting an old European village. This resemblance 
was increased when one came in contact with some of the inhabitants 
who are of Portuguese descent and who have retained the character- 
istics of their ancestors. A full moon cast a glow over the town and 
the unobstructed Atlantic delighted the eye with a wonderful play 
of color in the moonlight. 

In the morning, on the return trip, some of the villages along the 
coast were visited. These have become noted summer resorts and are 
inhabited by many simple fisher folk whom Joseph C. Lincoln has so 
vividly portrayed in his writings. The villagers have perpetuated to a 
high degree, through many generations, the customs and manners of 
the past. Personal contact and observation of these folk add to the 
captivating lure of Cape Cod. 

Mary C. Wright, Senior VI. 

27 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



His Last Storm 

THE waves dashed unceasingly against the impassive rocks of the 
island. Lightning flashed and thunder roared. Never during the 
fifty years of his living there, had the old light-house keeper seen 
such a storm. It was rather befitting, he thought, that on his last 
night at the lighthouse there should be such a storm. It was symbolic 
of his life at the lighthouse. 

Sadly he glanced around his room — at the old chest in the corner 
where he kept his few extra clothes; at the large wooden table in the 
center of the room; at the hard, uncomfortable chair; at his little cot 
in the corner. Often he had not slept in that cot because he had re- 
mained up to make sure that his beacon would lead ships to safety. 
He thought of the other man who was to come tomorrow, and won- 
dered if he, too, would grow to love the place. 

Slowly he climbed the steps leading to the tower. He made sure 
the beacon was shining and that even through the storm it would be 
seen by passing ships. He was sad for he would no longer be able to do 
his part in saving the ships. A younger man must come; he was too 
old; it was feared that he was no longer able to take care of his duties. 

He returned to his room. He put on his oilskin and cap, and opened 
the door. A flash of lightning revealed the outside world to him. The 
rain came down in torrents; the waves dashed against the rocks in a 
seeming effort to break them. The old man stepped out of his doorway 
and was almost pushed backwards by the wind and rain. A loud clap 
of thunder and a brilliant flash of lightning seemed to end the world. 

All was calm and serene. In the bright blue sky the birds sang 
happily. Never had the island seemed so peaceful. The waves broke 
gently against the rocks. The lighthouse, tall and white, stood ma- 
jestically against the sky. 

A dark object lay at the foot of the lighthouse. It was the old 
keeper. He, too, was calm and serene. A satisfied smile was on his 
lips. His whole body suggested rest and contentment. He was not 
going to leave the lighthouse after all. 

Mary Elizabeth McClean, Freshman VII. 

Meteors for You 

THE prehistoric man skulked and shivered in his cave; the Greek 
and Roman ran to the oracle and priest, and even today the savage 
tribes of Africa prostrate themselves on the ground at the sight 
of the meteor. What they saw was a blindingly, brilliant flash of light 

28 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



sometimes followed by a great explosion. They knew not whence 
it came or where it went. Small wonder, then, that they should behold 
it as a forerunner of catastrophe and ruin. Even as late as 1492, the 
fall of a metor in a small French village was believed to be the body of 
a particularly bad official who had been hurled back to earth in the 
form of that pitted, blackened stone. 

Today the entire history of meteors is known. Meteors are formed 
in several ways. The majority are the remains of burned out or ex- 
ploded comets. These wander through space until they happen to fall 
under the influence of the earth's gravity. Another source is small 
planetoids, remnants of some larger body which has been destroyed. 

The meteor falls under the influence of gravity. A large part of the 
time it travels obliquely enough so that it enters the atmosphere, be- 
comes briefly luminous, and goes out once more to wander in outer 
space. By spending an hour outdoors some dark, cloudless night you 
will be rewarded with many glimpses of these "shooting stars." Even 
after the meteor reaches a path to carry it to the earth certain condi- 
tions may prevent it from reaching us. The condition which most fre- 
quently occurs is that its speed causes so much friction with the air 
that it is burned out while still high above the earth. It may explode 
and fall to earth as powder or dust. And, in a few cases, it may reach 
the earth in a beautiful ball of fire such as was observed over Baltimore 
a few weeks ago. 

If the meteor actually reaches the earth, what happens? It will 
fall in one of two forms; a huge solid mass, or many smaller masses. 
An example of the effect of the single, solid mass is found in the great 
Meteor Crater of Arizona. The huge mass dug a hole several miles in 
circumference and five hundred feet deep. It threw masses of bed rock 
weighing tons many hundred feet away, and it buried itself to a depth 
of over 1500 feet. An example of what happens when a group or 
meteor shower falls was given in Russia a few years ago. The report 
of the fall was heard 150 miles away. Trees were flattened and scorched 
in a radius of 50 miles and a herd of 200 reindeer disappeared com- 
pletely. However, the chances of a human being struck by a meteor 
are very slim. There is only one verified report of a man dying from the 
fall of a meteor. Mathematicians have figured that the chances of 
being struck are one in 50,000,000. Even with this assurance, the sight 
of a huge, flaming mass racing through the dark sky causes a feeling 
of awe and fear to rise in our minds. 

Merton Fishel, Freshman VII. 



29 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Ship Ahoy! 



WELL this is certainly a new way of getting into a boat," one 
of us remarked as we began the attempt to climb up the heavy 
ladder to get aboard the Doris Hamlin where she lay docked 
in the harbor at Canton Hollow. But, then, why shouldn't it be? We 
were boarding a boat quite new to us, the kind one sees pictures of or 
hears about but hardly expects to meet in reality. It was a four masted 
schooner, one of the few remaining vessels of its kind in the world; 
and here we were at liberty to explore it and satisfy as far as possible 
our insatiable curiosity! 

We knew this much about her. She, the Doris Hamlin, had set 
sail from Haiti in the Caribbean with a load of logwood under the 
command of Captain George H. Hopkins, had landed safely at the 
pier of the J. S. Young Company in Canton. She had been relieved of 
her cargo, for there on the pier were piles of logwood from which dark 
blue and black dyes would soon be extracted. 

The captain wasn't about, but the first mate, a kindly and well- 
informed old sea-salt, willingly offered to escort us around the ship. 
Little did he realize what he had let himself in for, for we wanted to 
know everything and seemed to know almost nothing. We walked 
along the deck from port to starboard and back again. It was unusually 
clean for a freighter. There, between the break of the poop or stern and 
the fo'c'stle was the empty space where the logwood had been de- 
posited. All the debris had been cleared away. This enabled us to see 
the sails more clearly. There were, this being a four masted schooner, 
four; the foresail, mainsail, mizzensail and jigger with their corre- 
sponding top sails, foretopsail, staysail, inner jib, outer jib, and flying 
jib. At the prow or bow of the vessel were four smaller sails running 
obliquely to the foremast. Since none of the sails were hoisted we 
could not enjoy a view of the schooner in full sail. However, in the 
Evening Sun of Friday, October 26, there was an excellent picture and 
an interesting article about her. With all sails set she makes a beautiful 
picture, one appreciated by artist and geometrist alike. 

The steam engine which we saw in a small forward compartment 
is used for hoisting and lowering the sails. The ship, however, moves 
only by the action of the wind. When the wind is with her, she makes 
rapid progress toward her destination but when the wind is against 
her and bids fair to make her "play catchers" backwards, she is not 
seriously thwarted, for a system of tacking is then used. 

Aid in sailing is received only as the schooner leaves the harbor 
when she is towed out to the channel by a tug boat, On all previous 
sailings the Doris Hamlin has had a tugboat assist her at least as far as 

30 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Sandy Point, but when she left for Forte Liberte, Haiti, several days 
after we had visited her, she sailed into the channel under her own 
power. The wind was so sprightly and from such a quarter (north- 
west), that Captain Hopkins was able to maneuver the craft into the 
channel alone. Quite an event in the history of the Doris Hamlin! 

As we continued our exploration of the ship, the mate told us of a 

fterilous exprience he had had with Captain Hopkins and his crew just 
ast year when sailing on the G. W. Kohler, another four master. They 
were sailing on the Atlantic just off the North Carolina coast at the 
time of that fierce August hurricane and were lost in the storm. The 
Coast Guard came to the rescue shooting a breeches buoy out to them. 
They had spent the night one by one working their way along the 
rope across wind and waves to shore. Intrepid, these seamen! But the 
mate showed not a trace of self esteem. He was much more anxious to 
tell us about the life he loved than about himself. His weather-beaten 
face and sea faring appearance made a profound impression on me. 

Descending single file we reached the bottom of a ladder and found 
ourselves in the officers' quarters — a combined kitchen-dining room, 
pantry, and two rooms containing the bunks. In the pantry there 
seemed to be many hooks for the attachment of various utensils, no 
doubt to keep them secure at times when the sea becomes unduly play- 
ful. I distinctly remember the cold pork, bread, butter, cheese, and 
cake spread out upon the table. It was close to meal time. 

Out on the deck once again we explored the stern and the mate 
spent about five minutes showing me the compass and explaining how 
it worked. The effect upon me was a greater realization of the density 
of the cranium. The others had, meanwhile, discovered in one of the 
recesses of the deck some clay pottery which had been brought along 
from Haiti. Made by the natives there, the jugs and receptacles were 
quite attractive in their rude simplicity and freedom from conventional 
design. 

The view from the stern revealed most of the harbor in a faint mist. 
Almost directly across was Fort McHenry and at right angles the Light 
street excursion piers. I thought for a moment of the last time I had 
been in this harbor on a boat, packed in with a mob of other excur- 
sionists on the Wilson Line. Just one mad experience of souvenir 
stands, hot dogs, dance floors, and rush for chairs! It's all right but 
it's every day conventionalized enjoyment, enjoyment easily, but not 
deeply felt. Where can one find opportunity to feel that deeper enjoy- 
ment, the vicissitude of life, that comes from being out with nature in 
her unhampered freedom on the sea? Oh, for a chance to go and feel 
what Masefield feels when he says, ' T must go down to the seas again. 



Adelaide Tober. 
31 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Assemblies 

MISS KEYS 

"The Lowly Chinch Bug" was transformed in our eyes by Miss 
Keys from a commonplace bug to one who has succeeded in ruining 
the crops of hundreds of farmers in the Middle West. These bugs, 
according to Miss Keys, added this summer a new topic of conversation 
to the two much talked of subjects; the new deal and the drought in 
this section of the country. 

Miss Keys described her visit to a farm where the crops had been 
destroyed by this pest and told us how she walked through a lane 
where the bugs were "about an inch deep." The life history and the 
habits of the chinch bug were described and we were made to realize 
the great harm done by this small insect. In a bottle in the hall Miss 
Keys had one of the things she "had brought back from her summer ex- 
periences" some quiet, dead, and altogether harmless chinch bugs. 

MISS ENGLE 

Our present social and industrial life is undergoing a great change. 
The educational system must adjust itself to this change. This system 
can be just as good a one as you want to buy. The money you pay the 
state in taxes buys your educational system. The state can do this as a 
mass effort better than an individual can for the payment is spread over 
the whole population and is fairly distributed. 

Taxes are a means of purchasing things that you as an individual 
want. We, as teachers, should try to make the children realize that 
the machinery of the government is a part of their daily lives and that 
taxes are a payment for the services sold them by the state. We can do 
much in putting across the relation between the government and the 
individual and between public service and the individual. Each in- 
dividual has a very important part to play in building up this nation. 

MISS SMITH 

Miss Smith from the National Society for the Prevention of Blind- 
ness which is a branch of the National Health Council spoke to us on 
the activity of this society and the very great importance of its work. 
A demonstration of eye testing was given with the aid of a group of 
children of different ages from the Campus school. We, as teachers, 
should take a leading part in the conservation of the sight of the chil- 
dren of this country. 

32 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



DR. COON 

Our civilization is changing. Radio is taking a very important 
place in education for it has the power to exert a lasting influence on 
the attitudes and ideals of the boys and girls of America. If we do 
admit radio into our schools, our responsibility as teachers does not 
end here. We must guide the listening children into educational chan- 
nels, for the radio has a wealth of educational material to offer. Let 
us admit the radio to our schools and have it as a right hand man assist- 
ing us in our teaching. 

A committee of radio education has recently been formed in our 
own school with Miss Treut as adviser. A radio has been placed in the 
student council room for the students' use. Programs are posted daily 
and we are encouraged to use this radio. Let's take advantage of this 
opportunity and help to further radio education. 

COLUMBUS DAY 

Senior III carried out to the fullest extent the aim of their assem- 
bly which was "to give a vivid picture of cultural and political life in 
the time of Columbus." Members of the section spoke on costumes, 
fifteenth century Italian painting, scientific instruments, ballads and 
literature of the time, as well as political development. It was an in- 
teresting and informing assembly. 

MISS PRICKETT 

Miss Prickett living up to all expectations spoke to us on one of 
her hobbies — the growth of the orchestra movement in the United 
States. This movement was traced for us from 1896 when all music was 
vocal, to the present day. School orchestras, music camps, string en- 
sembles, band and orchestra contests — all of these were discussed in a 
clear and concise manner. We were made to realize the very great prog- 
ress made in this type of music education and that at the present time 
the whole emphasis is on the value of performance not only in the 
school but after the pupils have left the school. 

(With apologies to Gertrude Stein) 

"Nuts when and if the bloom is on" . . . for by the game is few if 
all don't come; so shall so really, really, really, no Tower Light un- 
likely, unevenly even without Ads. Get it — the Ads — yes sir! 

33 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



School News 

A MORE exact title for this column might be "School Olds" be- 
cause there is very little that is new in it. This condition has 
two causes, namely: the quite necessary lapse of time between 
the handing in of material and the publishing of the same, which makes 
prophecy necessary if new news is to be attained; and the fact that your 
correspondent is not a prophet. Julien Turk is your man. Circum- 
stances being as they are, we have tried to find "olds" that are news, 
in order that the reader may see in his present surroundings many in- 
triguing things waiting there. 

Did you know: 

That on our campus is a house which is over seventy-seven years 
old? In the newel post of the stair in the "cottage" was found a crisp 
piece of brown paper on which was written, ' 'This stairway was built 
by Samuel Hickson (? — the writing has faded) Finished January 28, 
1857." There was also in the newel post what seems to have been a 
fragment of memorandum. It said on one side, "J. D. Lusby, Carpenter 
and Builder," on the other, "Hauling $2.39. Smith $5-00." These 
papers are kept in the office safe. They will probably be put on exhibi- 
tion with some more of the relics to be hereinafter mentioned. (Who 
says we are not prophets?) 

That in the safe is kept also the part gold and part black combina- 
tion pen and eversharp with which House bill 177 chapter 776 author- 
izing an issue of bonds, the money from which was to be spent for new 
land for the Normal School, was signed by the then Governor Golds- 
borough and the others? Wrapped around this pen is a paper on which 
is written, by a contemporary, its history. 

That there are 88 acres of land in our campus? The reason so much 
was bought is, that in order to buy the desired frontage on York Road, 
it was necessary to buy also the back lands of the three constituent 
parcels of land. 

That the cost of the land for the Normal School at Towson was 
$88,000. According to the "inventory for 1932-1933, the value of the 
land and improvements was $112,198.72. This does not, of course, in- 
clude the value of the buildings. 

That there is a secret compartment built into the floor of one of 
the closets in Dr. Tail's home. We are expecting sliding panels any 
moment now. 

That during the year 1932-1933 there was, connected with the 



♦Reference — 67 Annual Report of State Superintendent. 

34 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Normal School at Towson, $1,174 worth of livestock and facilities for 
caring for livestock? Have you noticed the pigs and horses? 

That just this year a field of turnips and two beds of celery have 
been cultivated. Those who have never seen celery growing might 
learn something if they stroll along the road leading from the power 
house to the land behind Glen Esk. We mean learn something about 
celery. Of course the squirrels are interesting, too. 



The Freshman Adviser's Message 

At this time I would like to express to the Freshman Class my sin- 
A\ cere appreciation for their cooperation in the Freshman elections. 
■* **The Freshman Class is now under the leadership of its officers 
and executive committee. 

One of the first problems to be considered is to bring about a con- 
sciousness of the plan a group of this kind has in the school life. The 
social chairmen of all sections in cooperation with the executive com- 
mittee desire to have the Freshmen play a real part in the development 
of the ability to practice good manners and everyday courtesies. In 
this way a foundation will be laid for the successful living of our school 
life. 

Marie M. Neunsinger. 



Song of the F.E.R.A. Boys 

Stand up and smear, 

Stand up and smear 

The walls of Normal, 

For today we raise our brushes each and every way. 

Our boys are painting, 

And they are out to paint all day, 

Straight up and down, 

Green, white, or brown, 

We're boys of the F.E.R.A. 

Leon Lerner, Freshman TV. 



35 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Chi Alpha Sigma Meeting 

MISS Frances R. Dearborn of the Department of Education at 
Johns Hopkins University, was the guest and speaker at the 
Chi Alpha Sigma Fraternity meeting held on Saturday, Octo- 
ber 27, at 1001 St. Paul Street. She gave a most interesting and inspir- 
ing talk on "The Other Side of the Picture," particularly referring to 
the child's side. Her leading thought was that the fine trends in educa- 
tion today must take into account the real child, or in other words, 
not just the school child. "Teachers must have time to get acquainted 
with the individual child and learn his interests, and the child must 
have time for his own personal problems." 

Four new members were initiated into the fraternity at this meet- 
ing. They are: Eleanor Goedeke, Dorothy Lorenz, William Podlich, 
and Herman Bainder. Others of the Senior Class who were taken in 
at the meeting last May are: Dorothy Gonce, Mary Yaeger, and Mary 
Coffman. 

Mary Coffman, Senior VI. 



Lawrence Tibbett in Recital 

THE reception given Lawrence Tibbett was a thunderous testimony 
of the audiences' approval and appreciation of his generous per- 
formance. The printed program, supplemented by numerous en- 
cores provided a well rounded selection that might satisfy the most 
varied demands of an audience. The old familiar themes, such close 
friends as "Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms," "The 
Road to Mandalay," "Prologue to II Paggliacci," "Sylvia," "Glory 
Road," "The Omnipotence" — and others, were sung in a manner that 
gave them new charm; whereas a few modern compositions were given 
a delightful introduction. 

It was in the stimulating rendition of Sho'tni'n Bread that the 
artist's sparkling personality captivated the audience. After this 
mutual self-finding, the program continued in a rollickingly successful 
manner. 

It was indeed a joy to hear the true, full, rich tones that even when 
relayed by radio and sound screen are amazing in their beauty, and I 
am sure Lawrence Tibbett's return engagement is the anticipation of 
many. 

36 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Music Builds 

THERE are many impressions from my childhood, that, taken 
together, make up my present love for music. One of these is in 
the form of a story that was told me when I first started to study 
music. Everytime I thought of this story I would practice twice as 
hard to show that I believed in the power of music. Here is the wonder- 
ful tale that was told to me: 

Directly after the World War some young man came to apply for 
lessons. He was a pale, serious, pathetic-looking young man. He 
told the teacher that before the war he had worked at an art school 
and had produced many prized productions. Incidentally, he showed 
the teacher his right hand. Most of it had been shot away in France. 
He told the vocalist that he had been very seriously shell-shocked 
while "over there." Medicines, rest cures, radium, everything was 
tried to help him. Nothing availed until music was prescribed. Music 
brought back his mind. He is now getting a new start in life. 

This story seems to be one of many that show the power of music. 
Doctors have realized this power for a long time. We find Lieutenant 
Colonel Mott, M.D., an English nerve specialist, saying: 

"I am convinced from my experience at the Neurological Hospital 
that voice training and choral singing of good music have proved an 
excellent health restorative to the nervous system of soldiers convales- 
cent from war neurosis." 

All of us believe that music has power, or, as we say, "does some- 
thing to us." It can excite and calm us. It can appeal to all our senses. 

Who, then, can question that it builds us? 

S arena Fried, Junior I. 

Child Study Group 

CAMPUS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, MARYLAND STATE 
NORMAL SCHOOL 

Room 123 — Administration Building, 10.30 a.m. 
1934-1935 

Topic II. The Buyer's Dilemma. 

Modern Advertising. 

Available Assistance — Consumers' Research. 
November 14, 1934 — Discussion Meeting Based on Book Reviews of 
Readings on Topic II, led by Mrs. C. I. Winslow. 
December 12, 1934 — Talk on Topic II, by Dr. Elinor Pancoast. 

37 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Freshman Officers 

The elections of the officers of the Freshman Class is over. With 
the help of the Senior Class President, Miss Kreis, and the League of 
Young Voters, the Class of '38 has chosen as its leaders for the coming 
year: 

Walter Ubersax President 

Betty Lee Rochfort Vice-President 

Edythe Gonce Secretary 

Loreixe Headley Treasurer 

La Rue Potter Social Chairman 

Edith Pennington .... Vice-Social Chairman 
With such able leaders and competent followers, the Freshman 
Class is looking forward to a busy and successful year. 

Edythe Gonce, Secretary. 



The Baltimore Civic Opera Company 

THE Baltimore Civic Opera Company, under the direction of 
Eugene Martinet, is gaining headway with the music lovers of 
Baltimore City. It has been established and developed with one 
main idea and hope — to promote more appreciation of good music in 
this city. It has certainly succeeded in its purpose. Some of the out- 
standing members of this company are: H. Robert Jackens, who sang 
for us in our auditorium, Marion Gilbert, soprano, Herbert Newcomb, 
and John Engler. The opera has been presenting performances at Leh- 
mann Hall, and has worked out for this next season the following 
program: 

November 15, 1934 — "La Favorita" 

November 19, 1934 — "Cavalleria Rusticana" and "L'Amico Fritz" 

December 10-13, 1934— "Aida" 

January 17, 1935, to February 28, 1935 — "La Traviata" 

"Lohengrin" — Date to be announced. 

Various benefit performances. 

It is true that, up until now, opportunities for hearing grand Opera 
have been scarce and expensive. Now, however, the Baltimore Civic 
Opera Company is at your disposal for an almost ridiculously low ad- 
mission price. 

Sylvia Bernstein, Freshman I. 

38 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Glee Club 

THE Glee Club has been working steadily, slowly but surely, 
building up a new repertory of songs. Mozart's "Sanctus" and 
the spiritual "King Jesus is a Listenin," have not proved easy, 
but they are worthwhile. Attendance at rehearsals has been good, and 
Freshmen, especially, have proved their interest, by attending an 
additional period each week. 

Practice has been heading toward several special occasions. Oct- 
ber 27, a quintet; Emily Ross, Bernice Shapos, Elinor Wilson, 
Edward MacCubbin and Myron Mezick, sang at a tea given on board 
the City of Havre down in the harbor. This was fun, especially when 
we went for a ride from the pier to a dry dock. The quintet, by the 
way, would not mind being booked for a longer sea-voyage. But we 
must come back to earth . . . The entire Club will sing during National 
Education Week. Freshman members are preparing to contribute 
largely to the entertainment for the Mothers of the Freshmen, Satur- 
day, November 3. A group of twenty members will give a half hour 
program before the Harford County Parent Teacher's Association, at 
Belair, December 12. All of us will take part, of course, in the Christ- 
mas program. So there is much ahead. 

Faculty Notes 

LIKE a certain well advertised paint, the normal school faculty 
"covers the world." In case you have not yet caught up with 
■ their summer travels, now is the time to remove your deficiency. 
Miss Tall is a veteran commuter to Europe. Each year she decides 
to go somewhere else, but in the end she succumbs to the force of habit. 
Miss Medwedeff found one continent too confining, so with her char- 
acteristic speed and enthusiasm, she visited four, omitting only South 
America and Australia. (Check: What continents did Miss Medwedeff 
visit?) Miss Steele tried to make up for what Miss Medwedeff missed 
by a trip to the West Indies and a peek at northern South America, 
while Miss Treut visited Europe only to find that the United States 
isn't so bad after all. Miss Brown avoided the ocean, but went abroad 
anyway on a motor trip to the Gaspe Peninsula and maritime Canada. 
The rest of the faculty spread themselves over the United States 
as far as possible. Two managed to cross the Rockies. Miss Birdsong 
drove to the Pacific Coast, but Miss Tansil decided Utah was a good 
place to stop. You may draw your own conclusions. Miss Prickett 
studied the farm problem at first hand in Kansas, and Miss MacDonald 

39 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



is sure Iowa is the hottest place in the United States. Miss Bader spent 
some time in northern Minnesota and in Michigan. Miss Do well and 
Miss Van Bibber cooled off in Michigan also. Of course you know that 
Miss Keys went where the chinch bugs were. Miss Blood took the 
rest cure on the shores of Lake Ontario. Mr. and Mrs. Minnegan are 
said to have dropped out of sight for three weeks, whether from choice 
or necessity we know not. Miss Daniels spent most of the summer 
among the woods and lakes of Wisconsin. 

After teaching at the Johns Hopkins summer school Miss Jones, 
Mrs. Brouwer and Mr. Walther made their way to South Dakota, 
Michigan, and Ohio respectively. Miss Munn, Miss Woodward, Miss 
Neunsinger and Miss Rutledge all aspired to greater knowledge and 
swelled the ranks at Columbia University. After that — well, you ask 
them what they did. 

Miss Cook motored to the World's Fair. Mrs. Stapleton did like- 
wise. Miss Sperry and Miss Bersch stayed nearer home, spending some 
time in Virginia. Miss Scarborough thought Maryland was good 
enough for her. Miss Roach says she did nothing. We think she did 
it in Connecticut. Dr. Abercrombie made several short trips round 
about. Miss Weyforth visited the Pine Tree state. Perhaps the mur- 
muring of the pines reminded her of the glee club. 

Mrs. Stapleton and Miss Medwedeff tried to start a Faculty Hos- 
pital Club this fall. The venture did not prove popular, though Miss 
Scarborough at one time considered joining it. We are glad to report 
that now even the charter members have admitted the idea was not 
a good one, and have abandoned the club headquarters. 

Lest all this appear too ancient, we hasten to inform you of the 
latest movements or the faculty. A tea in honor of the new and retir- 
ing officers of the State Teachers Association was being held on the 
City of Havre of the Baltimore Mail Line. Suddenly the guests found 
themselves not at the dock in Canton, but out in the Bay. No ransom 
offers were made, however, so the company landed them, literally high 
and dry, in the dry dock at the ship yard, and furnished buses to facili- 
tate their arrival at their original destinations. 



Alumnae Note 

Miss Priscilla Emmerich, a former graduate of' the Maryland State 
Normal School was married on August 18, 1934 to Mr. Thomas Vernon 
Walther. The couple will reside in Marlboro, where Mr. Walther is an 
instructor in the high school. 

40 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Beacon 

The campus fourth grade has started a publication called, The 
Beacon. The children chose this title because they liked the idea of 
their paper shedding light over a great space. Into the weekly or bi- 
weekly issues go interesting experiences personal and impersonal, real 
and vacarious. For the first issue the children drew upon their sum- 
mer experiences for their stories, and in the last issue they relived the 
activities of our early ancestors. Below are some of their stories. 

At the Airport 

It was a sunny afternoon when we arrived at Curtis Wright Field. 
First we went to Colonel Tipton's office. He took us to the workshop 
where one of the mechanics was taking a Wright whirlwind motor 
apart. We watched him with great interest. Next we went to the field 
to look some of the planes over. The first ship we looked at was a 
training ship. It was interesting. Then we went to Mr. Thompson's 
ship and took a good ride over the city. We were sorry when it was 

° vef ' <fC^©L^??> J OHN Seidel. 

A Battle 

One night when all the Big Bear Clan was asleep one man woke 
up and heard a noise. He jumped up with his ax. He looked and saw 
a light and shouted for the other men. All the men ran out with their 
spears and axes. The enemy was there. Spears flew and men shouted. 
Some men climbed to a cliff and threw rocks. They drove the enemy 

awav - Adrian Merryman. 

Revelations II; 34-35 

THIS month's findings are more discouraging than last month's. 
We had hoped to follow a theme — perhaps one of thankfulness, 
but, as we sit and gaze over the items submitted, we find prac- 
tically nothing to give thanks for unless it be in behalf of those afflicted 
with omnipotence who have in the Junior Class an ardent advocate of 
the Braille system for the deaf. What strange ears they would need! 

We would be glad to offer suggestions to certain individuals about 
the school which, if followed, would bring forth not only our thanks, 
but thanks from the school in general. We realize that it has never been 
the policy of this column to concern itself with the conduct of the stu- 
dent body, that is, with a view toward bettering said conduct but we 

41 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



are willing to change our course if the student body so desires. We can 
promise you some startling revelations if you will it. 

We are frankly curious about "Gus." Hath music lost its charm? 

To bolster up the pride of those students who ride to school on 
their thumbs, we disclose the fact that on July 4, 1934, Miss Birdsong, 
in a like manner but with more success, might have been seen flagging 
a car on a lonely road in the Rockies. 

We knew that sooner or later Myron's smile would spell disaster 
to Myron. Complete ruin has not yet been established but we predict 
that in the near future Catonsville will be the Mecca of Mezick. 

Did you know that Owings was an authority on the advantages 
of Cumberland — (cultural or otherwise)? 

And did you know that the resident senior who frequently dis- 
guises himself as a teddy bear, owns the most complete collections of 
rejection slips from publishing companies to be found in these parts. 

Arthur Bennett seems to have received the mark of feminine ap- 
proval — and it won't rub off. 

And did you know why Mr. Miller no longer gives the notices of 
the League of Young Voters in the assembly? We have it on good au- 
thority that it is because the organization is consistently referred to 
as the League of Young Women Voters. 

Mary, Mary, quite "the" contrary. Some of us knew all the time. 
We won't divulge her name but she rooms with her sister named Jane. 
. We mentioned his name last month and we hesitate to give him too 
much attention but this cannot go unnoticed. It seems that a certain 
young man in his recent and intensive study of bees has become so en- 
thusiastic over the success of their social and economic systems that 
he has decided to apply their principles to his own life — . All well 
and good, Ed, but watch you don't get stung! 

It was amusing at a recent committee meeting to see Miss Bol- 
linger report present while holding an ice cream sandwich and grow 
embarrassed as the meeting began to grow longer. 

Mr. Wheeler frequently and volubly observes that the students 
who receive the high grades on a test are always ready to laugh when 
the instructor claims that she doesn't see how any one could have missed 
so simple a question. We have noticed it also, "Josh," and we sin- 
cerely hope that someday you will be able to understand their point 
of view. 

And, Tom, don't you think it's about time you put away your 
"nursery daze"? 

We believe that it would contribute noticeably to Dallas Smith's 
physical and mental well-being if he would use the fourth period as 
designed on his schedule rather than for dancing with the blonde fresh- 
man each day in room 223. 

42 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



They swear it's true. A country freshman had her picture taken 
and the camera not only broke, it fell completely apart. Name and 
address will be furnished on request. 

This was contributed by a freshman and attributed to Mr. Walther. 
We hope she's right because your editor cannot afford to rouse his ire 
at this time of the year. 

Definition of a novel: 

Chapt. I — She. 

Chapt. II — He. 

Chapt. Ill — He and She. 

Chapt. IV — I hate him — I hate her — I hate him — I hate her. 

Chapt. V — She pretends to jump over a cliff. 

Conclusion:— (50 years ago) He saves her. 
(At present) He shoves her. 

Our Editor (note the capitalization) points out that the ardent 
indignation of a Freshman, blood relative of the Muses, at her gross 
neglect in not mentioning in a recent assembly talk "the influx (sic) 
of the Scotch Ballads," should not be overlooked. He at least was 
listening. 

A freshman observes that the supply of eclairs in the cafeteria fall 
short in filling the demand. What a magnificent capacity she must 
have! 

Normal Trips Western Maryland 

A SLUSHY, muddy field — this seemed to aid rather than hinder the 
/■A State Normal School Tribe as they toppled over a bewildered 
■* ^-Western Maryland College eleven to register their twentieth 
successive soccer victory. The margin of victory, 4-2, though decisive 
enough, does not indicate the superiority of the Normal School Indians 
over the invaders. Except for the breaks of the game, at least two more 
goals would have been scored. 

The beginning of hostilities found the Terrors leading 1 to 0. 
Although impressive at first, this lead did not last very long. After 
Myron Mezick had netted a shot to tie the score at one all, four more 
goals were piled up in impressive fashion. One of these was not 
allowed, a player being offside. Another certain goal was also just 
missed when Judd Myer was accidentally tripped by an opposing 
player. The Terrors scored once more before the end of the game. 

All of the players distinguished themselves, especially Tom John- 
son and Mezick. This duet accounted for all of the home team's scor- 
ing. Josh Wheeler handled several shots so perfectly that a number of 
Western Maryland threats were quickly repulsed. 

Theodore Woronka, Senior III. 

43 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Normal School Sportlight 

YIPEE-E-E and a couple of loud yowie-e-es." The State Normal 
School Indians are on a rampage, and woe betide the luckless 
"tenderfeet" that try to challenge their domain. View, patient 
reader, "heap big scores" and give a couple of rounds of cheers. The 
varsity soccerites are still scalping their foe. When will they stop? 

Susquehannock Tribe 2-1 

Md. Training School for Boys 3-0 

Annapolis High 4-0 

Sparrows Point High 4-0 

Western Maryland College , 4-2 

Franklin High School 5-2 

Frostburg Normal 7-0 

Park School 9-0 

All of the above are wins for Normal. 

Have you been out to see what we consider one of the best drilled 
teams in the state? Of an afternoon, step ye down to yonder soccer field 
and gaze upon ball handling that rates among the best. If our word be 
not accepted as "official," look soon for the comments of Johnny 
Neun in the Sun and view pictures of the members of the State Normal 
soccer team illustrating tricks of the game. 

What is the secret of the success of these proteges of Coach Minne- 
gan? Individual ball handling, pass work, a team sense, and aggres- 
siveness prove to be the elements that lead to the downfall of so many 
opponents. The varsity squad is a thinking one. 

A round of applause need be given to deserving members of the team 
for outstanding achievements; to the half-back combination of Bill 
Gonce, Don Schwanebeck, and Melvin Cole for the manner in which 
they back up the forward line (watch carefully the defensive and offen- 
sive value of this trio in the coming games); to the fighting aggres- 
siveness of Jud Meyers, Myron Mezick, Gene Benbow, George Rankin, 
and Temp Smith; to the spectacular ball handling and shooting of 
Tom Johnson; to the consistent and stellar goal-keeping of Josh 
Wheeler; to the emergency boots of Ed Fost and Ed Brumbaugh; and to 
the fine team spirit and marked improvement of Nick Rescig.no, Arthur 
Bennett, Dave Smith, Allen Harper, Morris Hoffman, Jimmy Tear, 
John Owings, Lee Tipton, Sid Tepper, Walt Ubersax, Eugene Rush, 
and Charles Hopwood. 

A few cheers might also be given to those enthusiastic followers 
of the game who braved the elements of wind and driving rain to see 
Western Maryland soundly trounced. 

(Continued on page 48) 

44 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Case Study 



A RRIVE home at five sharp. Meditate on how to fill in hour and 
/"A half before dinner. Realize time is too short to start homework 
•*■ ** and still do it justice. Already feel little hunger pangs in stom- 
ach region and know that physical discomfort hampers mental activity. 
Wander aimlessly about the house and oddly enough find self in the 
pantry. Yield to temptation and eat a peanut butter and jelly sand- 
wich. Answer confidently to Mother that one sandwich will not de- 
stroy my appetite. After all, I have been doing this for years. 

Decide to get intellectual and take a stab at the newspaper. Read 
carefully through Hollywood News Items and other back page funnies. 
Enjoy Christopher Billopp's column more than ever. Read Oswald but 
as usual fail to get the point. Young brother breaks up my concentra- 
tion by turning on some sports reporter with prominent tonsils. De- 
feated in intellectual effort, I make a list of "things to be done this 
evening." Complete that; continue inventory head — next list "things 
to be done tomorrow evening." 

Sit down at piano and allow fingers to play idly around the keys. 
Attempt Gypsy Rondo. Thoroughly disgusted — fingers all thumbs. 
Determine to resume practicing of scales. Question use of "resume," 
since I never did practice. Substitute "begin" for "resume." After a 
good work out in chop sticks, move restlessly to magazine rack. In- 
ward struggle as to type of reading I can take at present. Process of 
elimination leaves me a story about a Chinese detective. Incapable of 
pronouncing detective's name to my satisfaction, so give up the idea. 

Look out window. Notice that neighbor's lawn needs a good trim 
before winter. Watch Jane adjust skate strap. Amuse myself by won- 
dering what Jane is saying to skate or herself or both. Promise my- 
self to go skating soon. Know right well I won't, but still — . 

Arrival of one working member of family starts exchange of in- 
teresting tidbits. Learn that coats are selling today as compared to 
lull of yesterday. Rest of family ambles in from time to time. 

Hour being fifteen minutes after six, young brother retires to bed- 
room, plays "Come and Get Your Beans, Boys" on bugle — a hangover 
from camp. Various members of family, responding to familiar call 
to dinner, gather round the table. 

Chew through meal, wondering where in world can time have 
gone and how in world I can complete homework. 

Eleanor M. Goedeke, Senior III. 
45 



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Towson — Riderwood — Monkton 

You will find at Hulzler's 

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The Fairest of Prices 

The Best of Service 

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Baltimore, Md. 

WEATHER- STRIPPING 

10 windows, 2 doors, $27.50. As proof that 
this work is of high quality we challenge that 
if any job that we have done during the last 
five years is unsatisfactory we will fix it free. 
Windows are air-tight yet easy to slide. 

A Good Job Lives On 
Better Homes Weather-Stripping Co. 

Home Repairs in General Wolfe 885 1-J 





Our Junior Miss and Young Fellows' 
Shops on the Fourth Floor are foremost 
in style for the collegiate miss and youth. 

Tlte *3b Hub 

" of Charles St." 


Samuel SUrfe & £?on, 3lnc. 

Jewelers » Stationers « Silversmiths 
421 North Charles Street 

DIAMONDS . GOLD JEWELRY 

WRIST WATCHES . FINE STATIONERY 

GIFTS IN SILVERWARE 

Founded 18 is 




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24-Hour Service 


Diamonds Watches Jewelry 

HARRY C. LANGSOOD 

402 York Road, Next to Chesapeake Ave. 
Towson, Md. 

Skilled Watch, Clock, Jewelry, Eye Gloii 

and Fountain Pen Repairing 

Diamond Setting 

Birthday Cards Parker Pens Quink 




Compliments 

of 

Hochschild, Kohn & Co. 




LOUISE BEAUTY SHOPPE 

32 York Road 

Smart Distinctive Waves and) 
Haircuts at Moderate Prices 

Convenient for Normal School 
Phone: Towson 1022 




JENKINS 

Manufacturer of School 

and College Jewelry 

20 W. Redwood Street 




BEST SOUND 

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-LV-L/ jl\. 4600 York Road 


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7 W. Chesapeake Avenue 
Towson, Md. 




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of i:otoson, fllfl. 









Josef 



HAIR DRESSERS 



Telephone, Plaza 4136 
223 W. Saratoga Street 

2nd Floor 



Congratulations to the 

MARYLAND STATE 
TEACHERS COLLEGE 

You all know Confectionary 

MARTHA A. ANDERSON 

York Road opposite Linden Terrace 



Rex News 

Learn by the sight and sound method! Include the Rex course in 
cinema-ology in your schedule. The Rex Theater, 4600 York Road is 
Baltimore's most beautiful residential theater. It boasts the very latest 
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characters seem to live! 

People of good taste prefer the Rex Theater, with its air of refine- 
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selected — the cream of the movie crop. Cultivate the Rex habit and 
meet your friends at 4600 York Road. 



GC^jg^ss^ 



The Normal School Sportlight 

(Continued from page 44) 

Are our girls just as aggressive? Comments from the male students 
are in order. Note: (The problem is strictly an athletic one.) If you 
do not believe so, ast clause not connected with previous parenthesis), 
justify your opinion by watching the hockey teams of the Freshmen, 
Juniors, and Seniors begin their competition soon. Into the fray will 
enter three Freshmen, one Junior, and two Senior teams. 

Do not ask Miss Roach how the girls are getting along or which 
team she thinks will emerge victorious. Watch the different groups for 
yourself. It would be quite encouraging to see a number of male stu- 
dents patronizing the girls' fall sport. Handling a hockey stick, to a 
degree, requires just as much skill as handling a soccer ball. 

These are the games in the "Normal Sportlight" that may be 
looked forward to; spirited hockey games between several fine teams, 
and coming varsity soccer tilts with Forest Park High, Johns Hopkins 
University, and Calvert High College. 

Theodore Woronka, Senior III. 
Fairfax Brooks, Senior II. 



»MSEN-il-£LUS ( 




TOWER LIGHT 




DECEMBER 
• 1934 • 



The Tower Light 




fflavyland State Dovmal School 
at Towson 

T O W S O N , MB. 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

The Meaning of Christmas 3 

Poetry 4 

A Unit on the Beauty of Snow 9 

Laeti Triumphantes 15 

Extracts from Virginia Doering Albakri 16 

Glimpses of Lebanon 18 

Editorials 20 

School News 22 

Thought in Children's Poetry 32 

Alumni 34 

Sports 36 

Advertisements 39 



The Tower Light 



Vol. VIII DECEMBER, 1934 No. 3 



The Meaning of Christmas 



1. TO A FOUR YEAR OLD. 

"We have a Christmas tree with lights — all kinds of lights on it. 
Santa Claus is going to bring me a train — big — so I can sit on it — Oh, 
an awful large one. I'll have an automobile, too, with a rumble seat, 
a windshiela, wiper, and with lights— and they'll go on, too. Santa 
comes in a airplane, when it rains he rides in a automobile. And he has 
a sled, too, but he keeps that in the garage." About ten minutes later 
the child came up to me and said, "He has a monoplane too." 

Note. — This child said in a crescendo, "Santa Claus! Toys! Jingle Bells! Trees!" 



2. TO LEWIS GWYNN— "OUR LEWIS." 

Q' Christmas Spirit a Reminder and Joy' ') 

The spirit and purpose of every holiday is to refresh the memory in 
reference to some great event, which means much to the world, or to 
remember some individual for the outstanding place he held in church 
or state. 

I greet the Christmas Holiday always, as it brings gladness to every 
boy and girl, and reminds us all of the birth of the Holy child. 

3. TO A MAN WHO WORKS WITH HIS HANDS. 

Peace comes to me at Christmas time, a warm joy of giving and 
of being remembered — A great gladness that Christ was born. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Christmas Mood 

Drowsy dawn, 

Rubs her eyes — 

Yawns . . . Beaming, 

She rises, 

Fleecy-robed, 

Welcoming 

Frail sunlight; 

. . . Tis Christmas Morn! 

Soon, a burst 

Of wide-eyed 

Brilliant glare 

Floods the heav'ns; 

Earth reflects 

Misty sheens. 

Shining leaves 

Cheerfully 

Dance, crackling . . . 

Whispering 

Warmth and love. 

Holy chimes, 

Soothing peace, 

Sanctity 

Of worship; 

Divine Day, 

Spiritual 

And tender. 

H. B., Senior III. 

Early Winter 

Scrape the gray streets of the city, brown leaves, 
The chill winter wind is upon us. 

Hug your coat closer, man. 

And lift your face to the sting of the wind 

And the cold prick of light snow. 

Loud and quick are echoes of hasty feet 
Hurrying home to warmth and safe, huddled love. 

Thin and harsh are echoes of leaves 
Blown all night in the great darkness 
By early winter winds. 

Marguerite Simmons, '34. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Christmas 

I would put my hand into yours 

And hold you fast, a moment, 

To say these things: 

Go down into the deep ways of the earth, 

Into the giving of life, and living — loving and dying, 

And find that which is clean, and beautiful, and holy. 

Turn your face up, 

And out of the darkness of the Infinite, may light shine upon you; 

The light of the stars, 

And light from something beyond the stars, 

That makes us see in every woman a Mary, and in every child a glow of 

holiness — 
That brings the blessedness of weeping to those who long have held 

their bitterness alone — 
That dissolves the barriers we build between us, so that we may be 

unashamed of loving. 

Christmas 
May the swelling of its music, and the fragrance of its pine 
Be sweet with the meaning of these things, 
For you. 

Mary Douglas. 

Woman with a Market Basket 

Woman carrying a market basket. 
What makes your face glow so? 
It is brighter than the peony 
That juts its rude gold head 
Over the brown edge of your basket. 

Woman carrying a market basket, 
I keep bits of you shining 
In my heart all day! 

Marguerite Simmons, '34. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Abstraction 

Lofty bridges, towering skyscrapers, roaring machinery, 
Bellowing trade, giant structure, rumbling power, 

power, power, power! 
Fight and fury, groan and grumble, joy and sorrow, 
Life and death and 

power, power, power! 
Someone stumbles, another falls — who cares? 
We're all in a hurry. 
Someone's sighing; another's crying, 
Let's stop. Say, where are we going? 



Automats — human automats — hurrying, 

Scurrying — driving ahead 

Weary, weary — cold, somber, dreary, 

I'm frightened, I'm sick. Stop! Wait! 

Don't! Oh, God! 

Grumble, rumble, roar — marching, 

Marching — fiends of war 

The growl of the rivet — the pain of the soul 

Sweat and labor, work and work, 

Hour after hour, and 

Power, power, power! 



Science, learning, books and bibles 
Nothing, nothing — bored and blind, 
The gleam of gold, the warmth of wealth, 
Gem and jewel, crown and tower, and 

power, power, power! 
The screech of commerce, the moan of pain, 
Grime and goo and grit and dirt 
Bitter hate — revengeful fate 
Steel and girder, Hell's tree and flower, and 

power, power, power! 
Bloody war, filthy moral 
Curse and crime — horror, terror 
Crashing, dashing, mashing, slashing 
Rumble, humble — scheme, dream and 

power, power, power! 

Sidney Tepper, Freshman IV. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Chosen Few 

I see — a vast even plain 

Covered with a deep blanket of white. 

The sun glistens on the snow and makes of it 

A jeweled gown 

Fit for a mother of kings. 

Then it is a fire, 

Red and yellow, 

Glowing deeply on the calm breast of the earth. 

And now it has become a maze of shadows, 

Purple and deep living green; 

Ana the great silver eye of the moon 

Glances calmly at itself in the crisp mirror of the snow. 

A breathless silence rides upon the earth 

And I fear to move 

Lest I shatter perfect peace. 

The shadows deepen and spread; 

The darkness of midnight leisurely arrives. 

I dare not move but needs must stand 

A still shadow among the others creeping. 

No light, no song of bird, not even a whisper 

Breaks the still blue night. 

Yet now there is a faint stir 

And the shadows seem to move. 

They are creeping away 

Slowly, softly, as they have come, 

Out to the west. 

And a faint mist appears on the opposite side of the world. 

Slowly the Master of Light appears 

Attended by laughing nymphs in vari-colored gowns. 

And Day reposes calmly in the skies. 

Still, the earth is still. 

The majesty of a winter's day 

Must have awed the thrush as well as I. 

No sign of man save I alone 

And I am so small 

A mere speck of dust 

On the flashing glittering diamond that is the earth. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



But now I may move and look around me, 

Trembling and with shaded eye 

For the world is too beautiful for me to look upon in all its glory. 

On three sides is the vast plain, 

A mass of shimmering flashes, 

But in front of me 

Far far away at the edge of the plain, 

A gently sloping mountain 

Rears its proud shoulder straight up to the sky 

And waves great trees at the sun. 

Slowly, slowly the mountain grows larger in my eyes 
And now it is almost above me, 
Its long slope leading upward 
Like an angel's ski trail. 

My will pushes me onward and upward, 

The plain is far behind. 

Great trees crown the top of the slope, 

Standing straight and graceful, 

A forest of still beauty. 

Awed, breathless, I move on 

To stand beneath the trees. 

I am so small as I stand in the flickering shadows 

But I feel as great as the greatest tree there. 

Why, I am a tree! 

I am as tall as they, 

As straight and as graceful. 

I mingle my green branches with theirs 

And whisper and laugh soft secrets with them. 

You see? It is so easy 

To be with God. 

Though I have never been as far 

As a hundred miles from home 

Yet have I stood on a great plain that glistens in the golden sun, 

And I have stood on a great mountain though I have never seen one, 

And I have seen a tree such as never I saw here — 

Nay, I have been a tree, 

A great one that fills puny man with awe. 

I have spoken to God. 

Margaret Cooley, Senior I. 

8 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



A Unit on "The Beauty of the Snow" 

I. OBJECTIVES 

A. To have children understand why poets write poetry. 

B. To bring the children to a fuller appreciation of the beauty 
of winter. 

C. To have the children create compositions concerning the 
beauties of winter. 

II. MATERIALS 

A. "Stopping by a Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert 
Frost, from One Hundred Best Poems for Girls and Boys (Bar- 
rows). 

B. "The First Snowfall" by James Russell Lowell, from Poetry 
Book VI (Huber Bruner Curry). 

III. LESSON I 
Introduction 

A. There are four reasons why a poet might write a poem. 

1. To tell a story. 

2. To describe a beautiful picture. 

3. To show a person's character. 

4. To express an emotion. 

Listening motive 

A. What was Robert Frost's motive in writing this poem? 

Reading the Poem 

Discussion 

A. The children replied, after listening to the poem, that the 
writer had written it either to describe a beautiful picture or 
to tell a story. 

B. When asked to tell the story, the children discovered there 
was not much of a story in the poem. When asked to de- 
scribe the picture, the children found that not all the stanzas 
of the poem contributed to the picture. 

C. Finally one of the children responded that the poet wanted 
to acquaint us with a person who had a deep appreciation 
of Nature. 

The class chose the phrase, "nature lover," to explain the 
character of this man. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



D. Another child added that we learned something more of this 
person's character — that he was faithful to his duty even 
when he would like to have enjoyed the beauty of the great 
outdoors. 

E. This answer brought about a discussion concerning the 
promise that the man had to keep. The class decided the man 
must have been either a physician or a postmaster. 

F. When asked whether they had any idea from what section 
of the United States Robert Frost came, the children guessed 
the New England States. 

Conclusion 

A. Some of the children suggested that they would like to 
memorize the poem, while others suggested that they would 
like to search for magazine pictures to illustrate the poem. 

IV. LESSON II (First Snowfall) 
Introduction 

A. James Russell Lowell, another New England poet, lived 
some time ago in Elmwood, the old Lowell residence in 
Cambridge, Massachusetts. Several children were born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Lowell, but with the exception of one daugh- 
ter, Mabel, they all died at an early age. "The First Snow- 
fall" was written soon after the death of their first child, 
Blanche. From the Lowell home, Mt. Auburn, the beautiful 
New England cemetery, in which Blanche was buried, was 
visible. 

Listening Motive 

A. What was Lowell's motive in writing this poem? 

Reading of poem 

Discussion 

A. The children replied, at first, that James Russell Lowell 
wished to describe a beautiful scene. Then they realized that 
just four stanzas described the picture. 

B. It was decided that the poem was written to express an emo- 
tion — that of sorrow and love for his dead daughter. 

C. Discussion of the three parts into which the poem divides 
itself. 

1. Description of the snow scene (stanzas 1 to 4). 
a. Things to which the snow is compared. 

(1) ermine. 

(2) pearl. 

(3) Carrara. 

(4) swan's-down. 

10 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



2. Author's reflections (stanzas 5 to 8). 

a. What Lowell thought about as he watched the snow. 

b. Why "the babes in the wood" were mentioned. 

c. What Mabel thought about as she looked at the snow. 

3. Answer to Mabel's question (stanzas 9-10). 
a. Answer to child's question. 

(Most emphasis was put upon the descriptive part of the 
poem.) 

Conclusion 

A. Some of the children wanted to memorize the poem. I sug- 
gested that they learn the first four stanzas. 

V. LESSON III 
Introduction 

A. To what things did James Russell Lowell compare the snow? 

1. ermine. 

2. pearl. 

3. Carrara. 

4. swan's-down. 

Procedure 

A. Can you think of anything else to which snow can be com- 
pared? 

1. flower petals. 2. cotton. 

3. apple blossoms. 4 a blanket. 

5. wool. 6. feathers. 

B. Can you think of any adjectives which would describe snow 
flakes? 

1. feathery. 2. downy. 

3. lovely. 4. delicate. 

5. shy 6. silent. 

7. spotless 8. gentle 
9. fantastic. 

C. What verbs would you suggest to picture the action of the 
snowflakes? 

1. whirl. 2. dance. 

3. flit 4. drift. 

5. sail. 6. descend. 

7. float. 8. flutter. 

9. frolic. 10. fly. 

11 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Conclusion 

A. Children were asked to write down their reaction to the 
recent snow. 

B. They realized that the comparisons, the adjectives, and the 
verbs had been listed on the board to help them. 

VI. LESSONS IV, V 

A. During these lessons the children read the compositions they 
had written. Special attention was given to appropriate 
titles and good word choices. 

Anile a H. Browne, '31. 



THE WHITE MAGICIAN 

The fast falling snowflakes quickly changed the familiar sur- 
roundings into unknown objects. The trees seemed as though they 
would break under their heavy coverings. Wire fences were changed to 
strings of pearls. Roofs looked like sheets of shining glass. What once 
were dead rose bushes were quickly changed to bushes of silver blos- 
soms. The earth was turned into a blanket of fluffy cotton. It looked 
as though a white magician had visited the earth. 

Josephine Stouffer, Age 11, 6. 



THE GALLANT WARRIORS 

One day the bugles blew and the soldiers rushed into line. Then 
the order came to charge. The snowflakes hurried toward the earth 
with glittering bayonets and soon had the ground conquered. The 
children dashed from the houses with sleds, skiis, and ice skates. One 
boy exclaimed. ' 'There is someone who can conquer the earth. 

Raymond Tucker, Age 12, 6. 



SNOW 

It looks like blossoms, all fluffy 

and white, 
Like lacy curtains, trimmed up 

and down, 
It looks like a mirror, all 

glassy and glittering, 
It puts me in mind of a ghost-like 

shadow. 

Doris Hemphill, Age 12, 6. 



12 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



FRIGHTS ON A DARK NIGHT 

One dark night I was sent up to close the chicken house door, 
which had been left open. When I reached there I turned to look out 
upon the landscape. I'm not especially fond of dark nights, and the 
sight I saw sent shivers through me. 

The moon, half obscured by a cloud, and half visible, shone ghastly 
pale upon the fields. The corn shocks glowed radium-like against the 
white background, reminding me of ghosts. Something black shot 
past me and disappeared in a hole. 

This was all I needed to send me scampering back to the house, 
leaving the door unclosed. 

As I ran, an icicle hit me on the head. I thought it was a man, 
sticking me with a sword. I redoubled my efforts and soon was safely 
inside the house. 

Bill Porter, Age 11, 6. 

NATURE, THE MAGICIAN 

One night when the children were in their beds, 

And had gone to the land of the sleepy heads, 

When all was dreary, gloomy, and dark 

Outside, the dogs began to bark. 

For when they awoke they saw not a tree, 

That stood by the gate to guard you and me. 

They saw in its place, a soldier in lace, 

And of the old tree they found no trace. 

They saw not the ground so rugged and brown, 

But instead a blanket of soft swan's-down. 

They saw not the old, worn, wooden fence-posts, 

But in their place some white-hooded ghosts. 

Nature is a magician, 

That you ought to know. 

And if you don't believe me, 

Look out after a snow. 

Leroy Butts, Age 12, 6. 

MOTHER NATURE'S DESIGNS 
While I was watching Mother Nature spread a white blanket over 
the earth, the snow was modeling itself into beautiful forms. It cov- 
ered the branches on the trees with designs, making them look like 
white lace. The snow-covered wire looked like beads strung across the 
sky by Jack Frost. The telephone poles reminded me of giants clad in 
ermine. Of all the wonderful things which Mother Nature has provided 
for the earth, the snow seems the best. 

Lugarda Hawthorne, Age 12, 6. 
Editor's Note. — This unit was taught by Anilea Browne, '31, in Hagerstown. 



13 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



NATURE'S HANDIWORK 

As I stood looking out of my bedroom window one night, I saw 
millions of swirling white snowflakes sifting down from the sky. They 
looked like little crystals, and beat with soft, muffled sounds on the 
window-pane. Before long the pure, white flakes lay like a fleecy 
blanket over everything, and all of the trees were covered with the 
snow, making it look like a scene from Fairyland. 

In the morning when I awoke, the snow had ceased, but all of the 
ground was hidden from sight beneath the white mantel. The branches 
of the evergreen trees were heavy with crystals. In fact every outdoor 
object wore a white hood. 

Martha Yeakle, Age 11, 6. 



ttzJ&^ZFb 



Herald 

In melancholy mood I lie beside 

The still, untrammeled waters of the lake. 

Enshrouded in the majesties of art 

Long dead, I seek to break the bonds that bind 

My soul to whirring wheels and wretched wars 

Twixt lord and laborer. Here, as I dream, 

My thoughts unwind the musty scroll of Time 

From out whose ancient, age-worn record leap 

The lights that lit a trodden people's way, 

The heralds of revolt whose beauteous song 

Yet lives to cheer a trampled human horde! 

Awake! I cry, let not these martyred rebels 

Lie buried in the lap of Time! Of what 

Avail the wondrous works of Hesiod, 

Of what avail the beauteous art of Keats, 

If, but to die, scarce heeded through the years? 

Wherefore did Shelley die in penury 

A broken outcast from society? 

Not yet are dreams and quiet solitudes 

For me, while rich and poor remain, and greed 

Runs rampant through the streets of cultured men! 

Awake! I cry, seek ye the liberty 

They sought; hold high their flickering torch! 

Melvyn Seem an, Freshman IV. 

14 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Laeti Triumphantes 

A DESTE Fidelis, Laeti Triumphantes" clearly, sweetly, and joy- 
/"A fully floats down the mountain side on the cold, dry Christmas 
•*■ *-air. How often have the people of the little town of Mt. St. 
Mary's listened to this most wonderful of Christmas hymns ushering 
in the Noel. Christmas was not Christmas without this rendition by 
Larry Diehlman in memory of his father. 

Old Larry, as the inhabitants of the countryside called h m, was 
quite a neighborhood character. His father came of a very aristocratic 
family which immigrated to this country in the early eighteenth cen- 
tury. He was a wonderful musician, a professor of music at Mt. St. 
Mary's College. During his lifetime he composed many masses for the 
Catholic Church, some of which are still used by it. Larry was his 
oldest child and his father gave him every opportunity to acquire an 
education — but Larry would have none of it. He was the black sheep 
of the family. 

However, like his father, he was very musical. He could play any- 
thing from a banjo to an organ. This to his father was a redeeming fea- 
ture and in this he gave him much encouragement. 

Larry, however, was destined never to gain much in the material 
things of this life. He kept a small country store in which the boys of 
the neighborhood congregated during the evening sitting around a 
small egg stove and to the strum of Larry's banjo sang many of the 
old songs. Sometimes Larry offered a little variety by introducing songs 
of his own composition. 

Despite great differences, Larry and he had two common interests; 
music and church. So it happened that when the older Mr. Diehlman 
died, Larry made a death bed promise to play, "Adeste Fidelis," his 
father's favorite hymn every Christmas after midnight Mass. Year 
after year up through the Grotto, stumbling through drifted snow, 
went Larry to the graveyard with its age old tombs merging into white 
and virgin snow. At his father's grave, he would pull out his flute 
and through the silent, breathless air a sweet and joyful strain would 
descend. Year after year his pilgrimage continued. Neither sickness 
nor cold deterred him. Year after year his footsteps grew slower, his 
back more bent and his music fainter, but "Adeste Fidelis" survived. 

Larry has been dead for twenty-five years yet his spirit lingers, for, 
at exactly one minute after midnight the countryside becomes hushed, 
expectant. Men and women stand at attention, ears straining towards 
the distant mountains. A silence — then eerie and hauntingly a thin, 
joyful note is flung upon the air, "Adeste Fidelis, Laeti Triumphantes — . 

Patricia Callahan, Freshman VI. 

Note. — The theme of "Laeti Triumphantes" is true. This tradition really exists at 
Mt. St. Mary's and Larry is really an authentic character. 

15 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Extracts from Letter of Virginia 
Doering Albakri - -2 3 



MOUHADJERINE, DAMASCUS 

October 3, Syria 

Dear Miss Osborn : 

I never know where to start to tell folks what Damascus is like, 
for almost every detail of life here is as different as possible from life in 
the United States. Except for the modernized central portions of some 
of the cities, the country is much the same as it was a hundred years 
ago, almost as primitive as life in central Africa. 

When standing in the city square of Damascus one might almost 
feel oneself in any city except for the traffic moving through. The 
cloaked and robed Bedouin leading his heavily laden camel shuffles 
along. There come the baggy trousered peddlers leading donkeys piled 
up high with merchandise ranging from beautifully shaped unglazed 
earthenware water jars to bags and baskets of egg plants, onions, and 
the like. We also pass peddlers of drinks with brass tanks of sweetened 
mulberry juice, orange or lemonade, or licorice tea and venders with 
rich date or nut filled cakes carried in a tray on their heads. The pedes- 
trians, in the innumerable costumes of the different villages, walk by, 
as often as not sharing the middle of the street with camels and donkeys. 

But a block or so off the square in any direction everything is differ- 
ent. Narrow streets, innocent of side walks, paved with age-smooth 
cobblestones or large stone slabs seem to wander "as they list" and 
sometimes become so narrow that they are completely shut off from the 
sky overhead by the upper part of the dwellings whose high and blank 
walls line their sides. The shops are small, so small and littered up 
with wares hanging from every possible place and piled up everywhere 
that one must stand outside to make one's purchase. Sometimes there 
is not even room for the shopkeeper. When purchasing one may ex- 
pect to be asked about twice the worth of an article and then after a 
series of protests, arguments, and lower offers pay about half the orig- 
inal price which is about what the shopkeeper expected. Everywhere 
the street peddler is the modern specialty shop. To buy wares from 
him usually involves danger, for one is apt at any moment to be 
squeezed between the wall and a passing donkey or camel. 

The dirty, narrow streets have their redeeming features. One often 
comes upon beautifully carved doors, or a stone basin on a corner or set 

16 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



into a niche with a stream of water spouting into it, or in turning a 
corner glimpse the minaret of a mosque sometimes breath takingly 
lovely, towering fantastically into the air. If it happens to be one of 
the live prescribed prayer times each day he may hear the muezzin from 
the minaret call the Azzan and see through the courtyard the faithful 
as they bow, kneel, and touch their foreheads to the ground inside the 
mosque. 

I was surprised when I first had the opportunity of visiting the 
interior of one of the houses at its great contrast to the dark and dingy 
exterior. One steps into the first courtyard, bright and beautiful, paved 
with marble tile in attractive patterns and containing in the center a 
marble fountain. The fountain is surrounded, except where there are 
doors, with orange and lemon trees and flowering plants. Through the 
doorways and open windows of the rooms surrounding the court one 
may glimpse furniture, inlaid with mother-of-pearl and silver, beauti- 
ful hand woven rugs, and hand made, decorated pottery. The second 
and largest court is much the same as the first one except that the center 
of one side is open and leads up a step or two into the summer living 
room or parlor. I remember being entertained by the host as I sat upon 
one of the red cushioned marble benches which occupied three sides of 
the beautiful parlor. Entertaining and receiving guests is traditional 
among the people of Damascus. 

Since I was curious about Damascus living customs and conditions 
I was given opportunity to make a tour of the home. A "tour" was 
quite in order since there were twenty rooms. That were none too many, 
however, for there were fifteen in the family and guests were almost 
always present. Since most guests are usually not supposed to see the 
women of the family their rooms are usually located at the front of the 
house surrounding the first court. The kitchen opened off a third court 
at the back of the house and contained only a large open fireplace and 
chimney, a lot of huge pots and kettles, and perhaps a one-burner kero- 
sene stove. The women sit or squat on the floor to prepare the food and 
do all the work. At meal-time the family sits on the floor around a 
huge tray placed on a low stool and scoops up food with large round 
sheets of bread which they fold up skillfully. The dishes served are all 
unfamiliar and it seems almost impossible to make any food taste like 
ours. The only pepper one can secure has many different spices in it, 
salt is seasalt, and milk, goat's milk which is milked from a goat on 
the doorstep each morning. Butter is clarified butter which may be 
anywhere from six months to several years old. 

Despite all this strangeness and an occasional spell of homesick- 
ness I am managing to make my own life here and find each day some- 
thing new and interesting. 

17 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



A Glimpse of Lebanon 

IS there anyone who knows nothing of the natural beauty that lies 
hidden in that remote mountainous region of the mighty Lebanons? 
Then it is my pleasure to bring before you a glimpse of that land 
and its people which have become an integral part of my life during the 
past three years. 

"You let your stamps honor famous men, but we would exalt the 
beauty of our land, God's handiwork, on ours." Such was the thought- 
ful remark of a student when in composition class the theme assigned 
was "A Stamp." In that statement is reflected the general feeling of 
the people towards their land for they never cease to speak of its match- 
less grandeur. And the commendable element in such expression is, 
that pure love of the land prompts their comments. 

One of the first questions put to every foreigner upon entering 
"sunny Syria" is, "How do you see our country?" I am glad I could 
always reply by employing the superlative degree which never failed 
to make their warm, dark eyes glow with undisguised pride . . . I 
soon learned the "order of procedure" in carrying on a conversation 
when visiting in native homes. With this knowledge I could time my 
comment upon the fair land to come, before the question, and this 
brought forth exclamations of delight. Stonelike, indeed, is the for- 
eigner that would be insensitive to the scenes of splendor surrounding 
him. 

Come with me along a winding road, dusty white in the glare of 
the noonday sun. As the road leaves the third largest olive grove in 
the world flourishing beside the red sands of the Mediterranean, we 
ascend the foothills of the Lebanons running parallel with the sea. O 
views of my heart's delight! I would that I might use the flowery phrases 
of the Arabic tongue, the native language, to do justice to this feast 
for the eyes. Nature has not dulled her paints. She has used bold, rich 
sweeps of primary colors to express the intensity of this land and peo- 
ple; the blue of sea; the green of olive, orange, and pine trees; the red 
of sands and tiled roofs; the dazzling white of stone houses; the purple 
of sunset mountains; the golden yellow and orange of setting sun. 

Cactus hedges flank the staircase-like road that goes up, up to our 
Damascene home of ten rooms built around an open court where grow 
a rose tree and a tangerine tree. We have reached the exceedingly old 
village of Shweifat, the "White City," so the story goes, to which 
Cleopatra is supposed to have journeyed for her final tryst with An- 
thony before he set out for the battle of Actium. 

Here we lived among the people and taught their children. Here 
in the slow, unprogressive atmosphere of the East we saw open before 

18 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



us from day to day the way in which "the other half of the world 
lives." Did I say unprogressive? Yes, as the West measures progress; 
but we learned to live here. We discovered the inner resources God had 
given us. In our free land of efficiency and endeavor we spin around at 
such a dizzy rate we forget the value of being still and living. 

Every experience is measured by the value received therein. "I 
will lift up mine eyes unto the hills" — for me they are the Lebanons — 
"from whence cometh my help." In that land, amidst that people, 
God taught me to live. " — the hills" for you, will undoubtedly be 
some other experience, but be awake to it when it comes. 

There are some nine hundred villages scattered throughout the 
Lebanons and the lights of them at night never failed to stir something 
within me that finally sought expression in these following lines: 

THOSE VILLAGE LIGHTS 

Arches of light, 
Fantastic gleams, 
Now steady, now wavering, 
Beckon by night. 
For a moment to see, 
And glimpse each source 
Of those radiant beams 
Calling to me! 

Not by the hand of man 

Thus arranging 

With monotonous order; 

But reflected by heaven's own 

Myriad host, nestled 

So closely in night's dark cloak 

Enfolded, protected, 

Yet calling to me. 

As drawn by the gleam 

Of a friendly eye, 

To gaze in the soul's depths 

So I long to press 

Past the glimmer of light 

And share alike the joy and pathos, 

Lying so silently — 

Still calling to me! 

Elizabeth W. Fitz, '29. 

19 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Tower Light 

Published monthly by the students of the Maryland State 
Normal School at Towson 

STUDENT EDITORS 

.Editor Managing Editor 

Mary-Stewart Lewis Mary Douglas 

Business Manager 
Earl Palmer 



Circulation Managers 
Mary B. Yeager 
Irene Shank 
Dorothea Stinchcomb 
Jeanette Mathias 



Advertising Managers 
Marian Cunningham 
Elsie Meiners 
Justus Meyer 
Betty Rust 



Assembly 

Ruth Keir 
Helene Ziegler 



DEPARTMENT EDITORS 

Athletics General Literature 

Theodore Woronka 
Fairfax Brooke 



Edward Turner 



Poetry 
Herman Bainder 

Science 
Edith Waxman 



Social 

Mary Bucher 

Elizabeth Goodhand 



Music 
Sarena Fried 



Secretarial Staff 
Hilda Farbman 
Dorothy Gonce 
Margaret Clark 
Eulalie Smith 



Library 
Ruth Hale Sarena Fried Humor 

Thomas Johnson Gene Benbow 

$1.50 -per year 20 cents per copy 

Alice Munn, Faculty Adviser 



Are You Dancing? 



As I sit in the orchestra, I glance over the dancers on the floor. There 
/■A are many types of dancers — good or bad, considerate or incon- 
■* *-siderate, slow or fast, fancy and plain. Far be it from me to 
criticize people's dancing, but improvement can be made. 



20 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



There is the dancer who dances out-of-time. This type belongs 
in the same class as the out-of-time singer. A person who does a waltz 
step to a fox trot rhythm is an outcast as far as dancing is concerned. 
Dancers — you may double your steps and still be in time! By this I 
mean, instead of four steps to a four-beat measure, take eight steps. 

Do Not Be Inconsiderate! What do I mean by being inconsider- 
ate? As I sit in the orchestra, there is always a group who wants to 
show-off. What does it do? In the middle of a crowded floor, the 
"sugar-foot" is performed. Sugar-footing requires room and fast music. 
If one kicks his feet wildly on a crowded floor, what of his friends! Go 
to a corner and stay there if you must sugar-foot. Be considerate! 

The last important thing to consider in dancing is your posture. 
Fellow students — carry yourselves with a more dignified air. We fel- 
lows know that when a girl holds herself too stiffly or dances at an 
angle, she dances very poorly. Girls — do not try to lead the boys. 
Boys — do not try to fool your dancing partners. Know your partner's 
ways, and adjust your dancing to them. 

As a reminder — dancing is only enjoyable when both dancers are 
thoughtful and considerate to each other and the other dancers on the 
floor. 



How About It? 

What about having a camera club in the school? 

Anyone having had any experience in trick photography, develop- 
ing, or printing pictures will, I believe, be interested in such a club. 

To those who have not enjoyed the real fun in photography, let me 
say that you will get a real kick out of it. 

An up-and-coming camera club can take pictures — nature pictures, 
school pictures, or trick pictures. What is even more fun, the club can 
develop and print those pictures. A great sport — photography! The 
school would profit, too, for with very little expense, pictures of school 
activities can be printed. All we need is a small room and a few sup- 
plies, and we'll have a club that is worthwhile and lots of fun. How 
about it? 

Violette V. Hoddinott, Freshman VI. 



21 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Day Student Council Get Together 

IN answer to the work of art by that master artist and cartoonist, 
Mr. Meigs, many revelers joined the Day Student Get Together on 
November 22. The all-purpose room 223 was transformed into a 
cornfield for the occasion. Corn stalks adorned even the basketball 
blackboards. The program committee, with the aid of Mr. Haslup, 
the pianist, and Mr. Minnegan, introduced many novelty dances. The 
more demure students, and those of the faculty who weren't inclined to 
participate in the dancing enjoyed themselves in games of cards, check- 
ers, etc. The featured balloon dance was won by a senior couple, Miss 
Ruth Kreis and Mr. Dallas Smith. How they came through that dance 
with an unpunctured balloon remains a mystery. A freshman, Miss 
Warmbold, came to the lead in guessing the number of kernels in the 
jar of corn. Refreshments were then served by hostesses of the refresh- 
ment committee. The entire group then participated in singing several 
songs. After some delay the noted senior male quartet assembled and 
presented one of its numbers. Officially, the party then ended but the 
agreeable Mr. Haslup consented to play several more selections and the 
dancing continued. In concluding, may I say, we only wish that all 
of the resident students could have attended our party. We know they 
would have enjoyed it just as we did. 

J. Meyer, Senior IV. 

The Thanksgiving Dinner of the 
Newell Hall Family 

THE Thanksgiving Dinner for the resident students was a grand 
family gathering. The family tree showed that our family in- 
cluded members from every county of Maryland except Garrett. 
The immediate family included father, mother, and five children. A 
host of cousins and aunts were also present. The only guest was the 
godmother, Miss Tall. Her birthday was this month, but godmothers 
never get any older. 

After we had met in Richmond Hall and were welcomed by our 
host, Father Brumbaugh, we went to a most delicious dinner of roast 
stuffed turkey, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, peas, cranberry ice, and 
of course, pumpkin pie, with honey and cream! 

When our huge family had eaten all it could hold, we again went 
to Richmond Hall and were entertained by different members. How 

22 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



we enjoyed the songs by our three musical relatives — Aunt Elma, Aunt 
Hazel, and Aunt Emma. 

Indeed, this dinner did make the Newell Hall family feel the 
thankfulness of Thanksgiving. 

Glee Club 

ON December twelfth, as many Glee Club members as can crowd 
into one bus and all the private machines that can be mustered, 
will go to Belair to sing at a meeting of the Harford County 
Parent Teachers Association. This is a truly professional engagement, 
for the Harford County P.T.A. is not only bearing the expense of the 
bus, but is paying us a fee, as well. We hope they will like our pro- 
gram. It will be in two sections, as follows: 

I. Heavenly Aida, arranged from "Aida" Verdi 

Mary Had a Little Lamb Lake 

The Heidleberg Stein Song from the "Prince of Pilsen" 

by the Senior Quartet. 
Isadore Cohen, Theodore Woronka, 
Edward MacCubbin, and Irvin Samulson. 

II. The Chechoslovakian Dance Song 

The Shepherd's Story Dickinson 

Lullaby, Jesus Dear Polish Carol 

The March of the Kings Old French 

Tannenbaum Senior Quartet German 

Gloria in Excelsis Deo Old French 

On December eighteenth, the Glee Club will contribute "The 
Shepherds' Story" and "Lullaby, Jesus Dear," to the Govans Community 
Sing. And again, at the joint Elementary and Normal School program 
on Friday, December twenty-first, this will be our offering. 

When we say Shepherds' Story, we say much in two words. How 
difficult, but how beautiful it is! You will love, especially, the music 
that is set to these words: 

Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, 

Sing we clear 

Holpen are all folk on earth, 

Born is God's Son so dear. 

23 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Did You Know: 

THAT the reason for the unfinished brick in the west wall of Rich- 
mond Hall is that there are potentialplans for the completion of 
a rectangle of dormitory buildings? The rectangle would include 
the girls' dormitory, dining hall, boys' dormitory, gymnasium, in- 
firmary, and library. 

That one of the Seniors enjoys greatly the sayings of Confucius? 
One of his favorite quotations is, "Only girls and servants are hard to 
train. Draw near to them, they grow unruly; hold them off, they pay 
you with spite." Girls, what did you do to him? 

That there is an observation platform atop the girls' dormitory? 

That many pleasing Christmas cards have been printed from lin- 
oleum blocks by some of our ingenious schoolmates? 

That on the Normal School Farm (behind Glen Esk and up the 
hill), is a heap of cabbages stored for the winter in true country fashion? 
Those city students who are not well acquainted with such matters 
might find it profitable to stroll over toward the farm. The experience 
would be educational, and extra pleasure could be added by careful 
choice of company. 

That the Men's Room has been a veritable mad house? (what with 
the Juniors and Seniors being in the throes of an acute attack of "uniti- 
tus," the clackety-clack of chattering typewriters or the plop, plop, 
of stuttering machines (according to the skill of the operator), to- 
gether with the hilarious shouts of those who have just received illus- 
trative material from some manufacturing concern which is now bor- 
dering on the red side of the ledger. The total effect reminds one of a 
tone poem with Bedlam as its subject. 

That one of the seniors, in the midst of his fellows who were dis- 
cussing units, sat down to a temporarily deserted typewriter and let his 
fingers follow his thoughts, and vice versa. The record of the wander- 
ings of his mind are available for Tower Light readers. 

*Did You Know That — 

Papier-mache can now be produced from cornstalks? 

Less than two pounds of radium are available for use in the world 

today? 
Labradorite is a gray mineral which flashes in rainbow colors when 

struck by sunlight? 
Different varieties of goldenrod containing from 0.5 to 6.34 per cent of 

rubber are known? 

24 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



A billion billion water molecules can rest comfortably on the head of a 
pin and have room to spare? 

Scientists announce a new chemical formula to recover gold from the 
sea? 

From Europe comes the announcement of a new textile fiber incorporat- 
ing flax and rayon? 

Glass manufacture uses the largest industrial furnaces in the United 
States? 

Arizona residents are writing letters on copper to promote the state's 
leading industry? 

A torch has been devised that can cut steel in a sunken ship at any 
depth? 

Violette V. Hoddinott, Freshman VI. 
♦Articles in this column have been collected from various sources; magazines, pamph- 
lets, and newspapers. 

The Rise of Silas Lapham 

THAT such an honest, upright soul as Silas Lapham could have so 
many ups and downs in life seems inconceivable! Here he was with 
a million dollars, two lovely daughters and a comfortable home 
and still life wasn't all smooth sailing. His unfortunate venture into 
society, instigated by his wife's benificence to one of society's leaders, 
left him in a predicament hard to imagine. This naive and simple 
family, uncultured as they were, seemed perfectly content to lead an 
isolated life until there entered into it Tom Carey, son of the Bromfield 
Careys. Irene, Lapham's younger daughter fell straightway in love 
with him and the efforts of the entire family were bent on winning him 
for her, until all unsuspicious of their ambitions he proposed to Pene- 
lope, the older daughter. Such a struggle as ensued. Irene was heart- 
broken, and Penelope refused Tom on the strength that her acceptance 
would be fatal to Irene. Colonel Lapham was in a quandary, yet his 
business, which was in a precarious position kept him so busy that he 
could do little to relieve the situation. In his dual trouble he lost his 
boisterous braggadocio and became restless and sullen. Persis, his wife, 
stood with him and in her blunt New England manner, praised and 
scolded him whichever he needed most, until the situation rounded 
itself out into quite a satisfactory ending with everyone back in nor- 
mal spirits again. To follow this very real Boston family in their 
humorous adventures is immensely interesting, and unfortunate is the 
person who can not find time to make the acquaintance of the Lapham 
family in The Rise of Silas Lapham by W. D. Hawells. 

C. Earl, Senior Special. 

25 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Faculty Notes 



WITH the coming of the cold, weather, the faculty skaters are 
champing at the bit. In case the younger generation does not 
understand the language of the horse and buggy age, we would 
say they're ready to take off, they're all set. We thought we saw Miss 
Tansil practising the stroke as she glided down the corridor the other 
day. Miss Giles is looking for new skates so that she can really do 
herself justice. The others are getting out their knee pads, and shaking 
the moth balls out of their socks and mittens. 

Wanted — someone to remind Miss Van Bibber of the dates of the 
Philadelphia Symphony concerts. 

Miss Jones believes that Friday is the next day after Wednesday. 
It is suggested that some one from Junior 6 try to set her right on this 
point. 

For some time we have been hearing that certain clothing manu- 
facturers send work out into the homes and thus avoid some of the 
labor regulations, and the N.R.A. wage scale. We regret to announce 
that one of our own faculty (we will mention no names, but she teaches 
history) is practising this same method of clothing manufacture. As 
yet we have heard no complaints from the workers, but we think the 
matter will bear investigation. 

A conference on science in state teachers colleges was held in 
Westchester, Pennsylvania, in November. This school was represented 
by Miss Dowell, Miss Bersch, Miss Blood, Mr. Walther and Mr. Moser. 

Miss Rutledge recently gave a talk at one of the Parent Teacher 
Association meetings in Baltimore. 

Miss Birdsong is continuing this year as leader of the parent's 
study group of the Campus School. 

Miss Tall recently spent a week end in Atlantic City. She can't 
stay away from the ocean even in winter. 

Miss Daniels spent the Thanksgiving holidays in Ossining. She 
went of her own volition. That is more than many do. 

Miss MacDonald and Miss Crabtree also trekked northward to 
New York, for Thanksgiving. 

Mrs. Stapleton surprised and pleased the faculty by appearing at 
the last faculty meeting. Miss Medwedeff hasn't become quite so am- 
bitious yet, but we hope she will soon. 

The faculty correspondent will appreciate news items for this 
column. Send your memoranda to "Faculty Notes," care of the Tower 
Light. The slogan of the New York Times will be the criterion applied 
in the selection of the items used. 

26 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Assemblies 

DIRECTOR McKINNEY— Baltimore Museum of Art. 
Education for Tomorrow. 

We find ourselves, today, slipping unchecked into the darkness just 
as we sank into the darkness in the Dark Ages. But we must prepare 
for tomorrow. The monks during the Dark Ages pondered, analyzed 
and prepared for the future for they knew that the Dark Ages would 
pass. 

In our hands, as teachers, are the threads with which we may 
weave a tapestry of the "Design for Living" — a thing today that mil- 
lions lack. Our children are the motifs; weave this tapestry and prepare 
them to go into tomorrow well equipped. Tomorrow demands merely 
a well-rounded background and, above all, courage. We have the prob- 
lem of leisure time confronting us. We can meet this problem by seeing 
that all those coming under our guidance are taught to enjoy the aesthe- 
tic things of life. Children know far too little of the drama and the 
symphony. Appreciation of these things is gradually disappearing. 
There is disintegration and it is our duty to determine that it shall not 
continue. We should build constructively to make children sublimely 
conscious of the beautiful things in life. We should concentrate our 
attention on one thing and know that well. Then to be well-rounded 
individuals, we should be interested in other things. We are not 
working in the schools to create artists, but to teach children to appre- 
ciate art. Art can be interrelated with literature. In all these ways let 
us prepare our children for tomorrow. 

H. Ziegler, Senior VI. 

MR. TYLER— November 13, 1934. 

Mr. Tyler of the National Education Association explained some 
interesting features of the radio. The first part of his talk dealt with 
' 'Technical Matters of Radio. ' ' He explained that in our present broad- 
cast system there are 96 frequencies. Of these 96, United States uses 
79 exclusively. The frequencies are divided into three parts — clear 
stations, regional stations and local stations. These in turn are divided 
into unlimited time stations, stations with certain specified hours and 
daytime broadcasts. 

The second part of his talk pertained to "general type" stations. 
These were commercial, educational, profit and newspaper ones. The 
people of the United States have shown that they want and appreciate 
the educational system. 

R. Keir, Senior V. 

27 



THE TOWER' LIGHT 



MADAME CAROS— France— November 19, 1934. 

Madame Caros sketched briefly, for us, something of the situation 
in Europe at the present time. Her subject dealt with ' 'Peace Frontiers. ' ' 

The peace pact was, she explained, signed in the spirit of war, at 
the end of the Great War. Since that time no constructive work in 
education or other worthwhile fields has been done in Europe, because 
of the constant "war scares" caused by the treaties which were so un- 
foreseeingly made. 

The Polish Corridor, a portion of Germany given to Poland as a 
Polish outlet to the sea, cuts off Germany from part of her people. As 
a result, there is always strife which makes Europe seem in a state 
of interrupted war. The situation needs the League of Nations, and 
though the league may seem to have failed, it has really just started to 
work. Madame Caros has implicit faith in its work being, in part, the 
solution of this European situation. 

R. Keir, Senior V. 



Mr. Wheeler 

Mr. Wheeler, Librarian of the Enoch Pratt Library spoke of the 
importance of the library in the educational field. Children may 
greatly enlarge their knowledge of a subject if they can find available 
supplementary reading in books which they can understand. The 
Children's Department of the Library has carefully selected lists of 
books for all grades and subjects. Mr. Wheeler showed us specimens 
of the "Poetry Broadside" which the library sponsors. 



ttZsJ&^tt 



Mr. Denues 

Mr. Denues gave, us a very interesting talk on the different items 
to be considered in classroom prodecure in music education. He dis- 
cussed such physical items as good posture, an attractive and clean 
room, healthy temperature, as well as the actual teaching techniques. 
He told us we should be inspired by music but not to such an extent 
that we cannot come down to earth and attend to the essential physical 
matters connected with music. These are sound teaching facts. 

H. Ziegler, Senior VI. 

28 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Enoch-Pratt Meeting 



MISS Wilkinson spoke to a group on November 2 on some of the 
of the new children's boolcs. The large majority of these books 
had foreign settings and were written either by foreigners or 
by people with an authentic background for their work. Some of 
the books dealt with the early periods of our history from colonial 
times through the period of Westward Expansion. Fewer collections of 
fairy tales have been turned out this year than in many years past. 
There is quite a variety of book making as well as a variety of subject 
matter. Helen Sewell is the illustrator of a great many of the books. 
Her treatment in some instances is delightfully humorous. 

Some of the books received by Miss Wilkinson were: 
Robin on the Mountain. Story of the life and adventures of a little moun- 
taineer boy. It is suitable for the fifth and sixth grades. 
Coatsivorth — Aivay Goes Sally. The everyday life of a colonial girl in old 

Massachusetts. 
Brooks, Emma — -Little Eat Gretcben. The experience of a little German 

girl and her music box. Very simply written for small children. 
Satvyer — Blue Bonnet for Lucinda. How Lucinda got her new blue bonnet. 
South, Susan — Made in Sweden. A book of information on Sweden. 
Berglon — Children of the Soil. How some poor children lived and played 

on a Norwegian farm. 
Hansun — Norwegian Farm. Japanese Holiday Picture Tales. 
Picture Tales from the Chinese. 
Tono Antonio by Sawyer. The life of a Spanish peasant boy in modern 

Spain. 
Powder by Avrill and Stroly. A discontented pony leaves his home to 

join the circus. 
Life and Adventure in Medieval Europe by Mitchell. An informational 

book covering the period from fall of Rome to the invention of 

the printing press. 
The Golden Flute — a collection of poems by Hubbard. An outstanding 

feature of the collection is the numerous indexes; one of them being 

an index to interests. 
The First Bible. Text taken from King James Bible. Illustrations by 

Helen Sewell. 
"Ola." The story of the travels of a little Norwegian over the Scandi- 
navian peninsula in a dream. 

H. Ziegler, Senior VI. 

19 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Our Afflicted Men 

BELIEVE it or not, several unparalleled manias have seized the men 
I students in the last few weeks. Recently, tons of mail have been 
pouring into the men's room every morning and afternoon. The 
lunch period din is increased by cries of enthusiasm as bountiful sur- 
prises contributed by philanthropic-minded manufacturers appear on 
every hand. Christmas comes every day in the men's room! Grain 
samples to start a farm, enough sugar to supply a grocery, bottle after 
bottle of motor oil, wool and cotton samples enough to make a quilt . . . 
charts and pictures galore . . . these and other of God's Free Gifts to 
the School Teacher are responsible for the new frenzy of address-col- 
lecting which, it is rumored, has caused certain wan-eyed seniors to 
forget all else. Indeed, every night in the library, or at home one may 
see furtive post-card scribblers addressing card after card to ruined and 
despairing Captains of Industry. 

Any day now, if you chance in the men's room, you may see stern, 
determined youths seated before dark infernal machines, grimly peck- 
ing at the maze of buttons before them. A battery of typewriters has 
sprung up from all sides, and . . . many of the men students are trying 
to learn to type in their spare time now! 

Patronize home industries, please! The Men's Merchant Body 
(strictly NRA) will supply you with everything for the student teacher, 
from National Geographies and note-paper to text-books and Hekto- 
graphs ! Also cut-throat competition from certain independents threat- 
ens to ruin the old established concerns, who are already selling at way 
below cost, anyhow! 

C. C. M., Senior III. 



Try to Tell a Bigger Story 

A very busy woman was presented with a very expensive Ever- 
sharp one day, but it disappeared. She searched for a very long time 
and felt quite ashamed of the loss of the present. After some months 
had elapsed, the woman combed the front of her hair, and, to her sur- 
prise, the missing Eversharp dropped out. Not only that one, but 15 
more came tumbling down. She reclaimed them gladly, and said that 
they solved the mystery of her pencils steady disappearance. 

Julien H. Turk, Senior III. 
30 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Orchestra Doings 



SINCE the last issue of the Tower Light, the Orchestra has rounded 
out the first quarter of the year's work, with the busiest week of 
the year. On Tuesday we gave for our assembly program: 

Raff Romance in F. 

Weber Theme from "Invitation to the Dance" 

Andante 
Horn Solo from "Overture to Der Freischutz" 

Ruegger Violin Trio Capriccio Brillante 

Beethoven Country Dance in C. 

On Thursday we went to the Elementary School to play for the upper 
grades where they had been studying the instruments of the orchestra. 
As a part of our program, various players told the children something of 
their respective instruments and played a few measures or a scale for 
them in order that they might coordinate the sight and sound of the 
instrument with the name. The children are a most appreciative audi- 
ence for which to play. 

The same week found us playing at the dinner for the Mothers of 
the Freshmen. This time our program was augmented by two numbers, 
by the string ensemble, three violins and cello, playing "Canzone" by 
Czibulka, and ' 'I Would That My Love' ' by Mendelssohn, and by a violin 
duet by Pleyel. In the afternoon the violin trio had played for the pro- 
gram in Richmond Hall. 

After such a series of public performances we have settled down to 
the initial rehearsals for Christmas and Founders' Day. Effort is begin- 
ning to achieve its reward and some glimmerings of beauty are coming 
into the "Andante Cantabile" by Tschaikowsky and the first move- 
ment of the symphony "From the Western World" by Dvorak. For 
lighter moments, though beautiful ones, we turn to "Artists' Life" by 
Johann Strauss. Nor has the string ensemble been idle. When assembly 
doesn't meet, or there are no demonstrations, we snatch a rehearsal of 
the Zweite Sonate by Bella or the ancient Sonata by Young found in 
manuscript in Sweden. We hope to let you hear these two lovely things 
before the semester closes. 

The change in student teaching has returned one of our members 
and taken away three. Our county members are kept from rehearsals 
by their schedules, but our city members being here on Monday, can 
and do attend the majority of the rehearsals. We are glad that they can 
Come, for having every member present makes for effective work. 

Our new freshman members are rehearsing with us now: Paul Gold- 
stein, clarinet; Patricia Callahan, cello; and Elaine Ward and Helen 
Fleckenschildt, violins. 

31 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Thought in Children's Poetry 

ONE of the many values of the departmental system in a small 
school such as Howard Park is the opportunity afforded the 
teacher of English to trace growth in creative writing and 
thinking. Not only has she a rare chance to witness improvement (or 
lack of it!) in technical niceties, but she can observe, particularly in 
children's original poetry, growth in ideas. Children, who write at 
first descriptive poems of scenes they know or imagine, later in their 
school years often show a tendency to include in their verse some real 
idea or thought. Perhaps we might even call it philosophy. It may 
be found in just a line or two, merely a suggestion, yet it is often there. 
The thought may not occur as a theme developed by the entire poem, 
but may find its way in a sudden flash of feeling into the last line only. 
It is interesting for the teacher to note these evidences of growth in the 
young poets of her classes, and to know at about what stage in the 
various writing "careers" of her children it is evinced. 

The following poems written by pupils of the Howard Park School 
were composed in the sixth grade or late in the fifth, after a fifth grade 
and sixth grade experience of the merely "pretty picture" type of 
verse. 

Eleanora L. Bowling, '28. 

The Merman's Palace 

The palace of a merman is a pretty place indeed. 

It has everything that any human would need. 

It has coral chairs and servant fishes 

That carry in the dinner dishes. 

Big, soft sponges for feather beds 

When at night they rest their weary heads. 

He has a chest of glistening pearls 

And a mirror too. 

Eating and visiting the mirror 

Are the most important things 

A merman has to do. 

Edith Kincannon. 

I Saw a Stream 

I saw a stream 
Go bubbling down the lane. 
The stream was gushing 
As if it were mad. 

32 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Yet it is calm, 

Sometimes — as you know. 

But it is always on the go, 

Like the world. Vincent Maggio. 

Ambition 

I climbed the rainbow, step by step. 

The dangers in my mind I kept, 

For there up high 

Loomed an azure sky 

While snow white clouds went drifting by. 

The sun man looked at me from above, 

While gliding past me went a small white dove. 

In that indigo sky lies my gold — 

I am still climbing as the years grow old. 

Rosemary Brenting. 

These two poems very aptly express the efforts of Miss Keefer's 6B children. A study 
of Eugene Field's poem, "The Wanderer" is responsible for this. The Editor regrets that 
it was impossible to publish all of the class productions. 

The Song of the Trees 

Autumn is here, 
The trees are singing songs today, 
Songs of autumn bright, 
Songs of the leaves that are clad so gay, 
And songs of the birds in flight, 

Winter has come, 
The trees no more sing songs of joy, 
The only song they sing, 
Is of the dreary winter days, 
And of the snow they bring. 

Margaret Knabe, Grade 6B. 

Autumn 

Nature dons her cloak of Autumn hues, 

The sparkling waters, different shades of blues 

Seem to stretch for endless miles 

Rippling, dancing, full of smiles. 

Crimson, gold, and brownish trees, 

Frame the farmhouse with their leaves, 

Soon the leaves will float away, 

And the farmhouse bare will stay. 

Dorothy Whorton, 6B. 

33 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Maryland State Normal School 
Alumni Meeting 

THE annual meeting of the Harford unit of the Maryland State 
Normal School Alumni Association took place Saturday after- 
noon, October 20, 1934 at the Bel Air High School. Following a gen- 
eral welcome and the singing of ' 'Alma Mater' ' several talks were given. 
A discussion followed in which it was suggested that an event be held 
in the winter to help foster an alumni building at the Normal School 
and that there be all county participation in the beautification of The 
Glen, a portion of the State Normal School campus. The 1934 grad- 
uates were welcomed into the county association. Everyone enjoyed 
the informal talks of alumni who related some of their pleasant experi- 
ences at Normal. Officers of the association for the coming year were 
elected. Miss Esther Thorpe will be president. After the election the 
meeting was adjourned and tea was served. Dr. Tall, Misses Scar- 
borough and Tansil, and Mr. Purdum, President of the Alumni, were 
honored guests. 

BETROTHALS AND WEDDINGS 

Mr. and Mrs. T. O. Minnich of Cockeysville have announced the 
engagement of their daughter Miss Evelyn Minnich to Mr. Evander 
Francis Kelly, Jr., son of Dr. and Mrs. E. F. Kelly of Texas, Maryland. 

Dr. and Mrs . Samuel L . Salzman of Windsor Hills have announced the 
engagement of their daughter, Miss Adele M. Salzman, to Mr. Harry 
Myers Ashman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ashman of Catonsville. 

No date has been set for either of the weddings. 

The wedding of Miss Alma Louise Staley and Mr. Lloyd E. Miller 
of Smithsburg, took place Friday, November 2, in the Zion Reformed 
Church, at Hagerstown. The wedding of Miss Lois Elaine Middlekauff 
and Mr. Edgar G. Fahenstock of Buffalo, New York, was solemnized 
recently at the home of the bride's parents. 

Rex News 

Most standard European tours include a visit to the Louvre in 
Paris, famous art gallery which contains the finest paintings by accom- 
plished and renowned artists. 

Although the Rex Theater, 4600 York Road displays pictures of a 
different type, each Rex presentation is also a carefully selected master- 
piece ... a marvel of photography directed, acted and produced by 
masters in each field. A list of stars would include the outstanding 
celebrites of Hollywood. 

34 



THE TO W ER LIGHT 



Christmas Chimes 

"Little Penelope Socrates, 
A Boston maid of four, 
Wide opened her eyes on Christmas morn, 

And looked the landscape o'er. 
"What's that inflates my 'bas de bleau'?" 
She asked with dignity; 
'Tis Ibsen in the original! 
Oh, joy beyond degree!" 

Miss Mary Cadwallader Rittenhouse 

Of Philadelphia town, 
Awoke as much as they do there 

And watched the snow come down. 
"I'm glad that it is Christmas," 

You might have heard her say, 
"For my family is one year older now 
Than it was last Christmas day." 

'Twas Christmas in giddy Gotham, 

And Miss Irene de Jones 
Awoke at noon and yawned and yawned, 

And stretched her languid bones. 
"I'm sorry it is Chirstmas, 

Papa at home will stay, 
For 'change is closed and he won't make 

A single cent today." 

Windily dawned the Christmas 

On the city by the lake, 
And Miss Arabel Wabash Breezy 

Was instantly awake. 
"What's that thing in my stocking? 

Well, in two jiffs I'll know!" 
And she drew a grand piano forth 

From 'way down in the toe." 



35 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Normal School Sportlight 

TAKEN from all standpoints, we have just experienced at Mary- 
land State Normal School one of our best soccer years. What a 
fine series of games have been presented! Maryland Collegiate 
Champions for 1934 is our title now. In retrospect, we can say that it 
has been one of the most closely followed seasons in Normal's history. 
Evidences from the Calvert Hall, Johns Hopkins, and Western Maryland 
College games show that the school is virtually 100% behind the team. 
This, we hope, will carry over to the basketball season. 

The Normal soccer squad has proved itself to be a fighting group. 
Not a vestige of disgrace is to be looked for in the defeat by Calvert Hall. 
This latter team, composed of many experienced semi-pro players, was 
kept scoreless for three periods by a charging group of Normal "In- 
dians." It was unfortunate that the offense was weakened by the neces- 
sary transfer of George Rankin to goalkeeper, due to the absence of 
Josh Wheeler. It was also unfortunate that "Tom" Johnson, injured, 
had to leave the game in the fourth quarter. Injuries kept other soccer 
men from playing to their capacity. What more can be said? The boys 
showed up to the best advantage. 

A bit might be written in summary of the season. The contests 
with Western Md. College both proved to be victories. In the second 
game, John Wheeler got his foot on the ball and scored the goal that 
defeated the Terrors 1-0. Johns Hopkins University was turned back 
twice by the scores of 5-0 and 4-1, and Forest Park fell prey 2-1. Wins 
against other opponents included such teams as Annapolis High, Park 
School, Sparrows Point High, Frostburg Normal, and Franklin High. 

These things will always stand out in our minds; the thrills we 
got when Tom Johnson received the ball and took it down the field 
through many an opposing player, the goals registered on fast breaks 
by the speedy Myron Mezick, the fine defensive and offensive work of 
Melvin Cole, Don Schwanebeck, and Bill Gonce, the many saves of 
Ed. Fost and Ed. Brumbaugh, preventing a goal by clearing the ball, 
the power and force displayed by Josh Wheeler, especially in the West- 
ern Md. Game, the aggressiveness of Justus Myer, the spirit of Dave 
Smith, Gene Benbow, Temp Smith, and "Junior" Harper, Josh's black 
derby, the pouring of rain during the Western Md. game, the emergency 
goal-keeping of George Rankin against Calvert Hall, and the thrills 
connected with the scoring of Calvert Hall's two goals. 

In regard to the newer players, some promising material is at hand 
to develop. 

It was truly a good season, but will our enthusiasm end there? 
Basketball is on its way, and, if you seek more sport thrills, don't miss 
too many of our home games. 

36 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



How is the basketball squad progressing? A terrific setback to the 
team was the loss of Wheeler at center. The offense will now have to 
reorganize as Josh will be lost for a month. Bennett at present is jump- 
ing center. Other players include "Tatem" Turk, Iz Cohen, Dave 
Smith, Tom Johnson, and Woronka at forwards, and George Rankin, 
Mel Cole, Hyman Cohen, and Don Schwanebeck at guard. Gonce, 
Greenfield, John Wheeler and Miller are being tried at different posi- 
tions. 

Results of the season thus far indicate two victories for Normal. 
Vocational 21-39 
Alumni 35-37 

As the latter score shows, the Alumni game was a thriller. The 
last few minutes of play decided the outcome. 

Coach Minnegan is drilling his charges hard. He reports that we 
have these contests to look forward to; games with Elizabethtown 
College, Catholic American University, Loyola College, Wilson Teach- 
ers, Gallaudet, Blue Ridge College and the Quantico Marines. 

Theodore Woronka, Senior III. 

Basketball Electives 

On November 19, 1934, the basketball season was launched with 
Miss Roach in command. The crew, consisting of Senior, Junior and 
Freshmen took their respective positions and set sail. With all hands 
on deck they steered through several exciting games. When the final 
command was given, the crew rushed to the nearest fountain for a non- 
salty drink. 

Doris Shipley, Freshman VI. 



How It Began 



ONCE upon a time there was a reason for it. That is, for the little 
silk bow that ornaments the back of the interior of a man's hat. 
There was a time, in the dim, dark past, when all hats were made 
the same size — a large one. Now do you think that those who had small 
heads went without? There was a cord threaded in the band that lined 
the hat's interior, and one with a head of small proportions had merely 
to draw this cord tighter, tie it in a bow knot, and there he had just as 
lovely a headpiece as you please. You may ask, then, why the manu- 
facturer still puts the bow there if it is no longer necessary. The answer 
is this — he does it from sheer force of habit. 

37 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Mrs. Brouwer once suggested that you investigate the origin of 
buttons on men's coat sleeves. I shall save you the trouble and unfold 
the tale forthwith. This story also hearkens back to the days of history, 
when there was in England — no, it was France — a king who was ex- 
tremely proud of his regiment of guards, for they had very, very lovely 
uniforms. But these demigods were only human, and in the spring 
many contracted vicious colds. Then their mouchoirs were very busy. 
But alas! when mouchoirs were forgotten, they substituted — yes, 
you've guessed — coat sleeves. Then the king had a brilliant idea. He 
had buttons, or knobs as they were then called, put on the sleeves of 
his guards. This made the practice rather difficult, and finally it was 
wiped out. So if your tailor insists upon putting buttons on your coat 
sleeves, do not take it as a personal insult. He does it from force of 
habit — just sheer force of habit. 

Miriam Jules, '34. 



Unfinished Symphony 

By Sylvia Thompson 
Little, Brown and CoMrANY, Boston, 1933 

A SYMPHONY embodies a great variety of instruments whose tones 
blend harmoniously to give to us a beautiful musical composi- 
tion. The composer creates in his symphony an ideal. And so 
Helena was a symphony. She was Lawrence's symphony. Lawrence, 
a great English writer, tired of his success, tired of his wife whom he 
didn't love, and wishing his youngest daughter to be different from 
the people of the world he knew, took Helena and fled to an island 
in the Mediterranean, there to create her as a thing of his own, his 
ideal. Here, under the guidance of a poet and loving father, and in an 
environment of rare beauty and sunshine, Helena grows beautiful, pure 
and strong, but in a little world of her own. And then — her father dies. 
When he dies, there is broken down Helena's only contact with the out- 
side world and she stands alone! How will she fit into the social world 
after fourteen years of seclusion? How will she meet her brother, her 
sister, a mother she hardly knows. Did Lawrence provide for this? 
Will Helena yield or will she stand alone? Read this book and answer 
these questions, and within yourself make of it a finished symphony. 
Miss Thompson writes in an easy style with easy material. One 
doesn't however, know her characters very well; they seem cold, dis- 
tant and not very sociable. 

Dorothy Fastie. 

38 



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Apparrl nf ulaBte for tlu» Woman Uljfl (Uarra 

The Uptown Store with the Downtown Prices 


You Will Enjoy Our 

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Arundel 

Ice Cream Shoppe 

420 York Road Towson, Md. 

We Deliver at Any Time 

Just Phone Towson 73 


Edward E. Burns M. Frank Burns 

John Burns' Sons 
Funeral Directors 

Towson, Md. 

C. & P. Telephone 205 


Run right to 

READS 

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i^TOWSON^v 
(( NURSERIES )) 

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It's really a homa when it's planted by Towson 


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Coal, Fuel Oil, Feed 
Towson — Riderwood — Monlrton 


MICROSCOPES 

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Also Remodeling and Repairing 

ALLAN UHLER 

Optical Works 

200 East 22nd Street Chesapeake 0655 


You will find at Hulzler's 

The Smartest of Clothes 

The Fairest of Prices 

The Best of Service 

HUTZLER BPQTHERS € 

Baltimore, Md. 


Compliments 

of 

Maryland Restaurant 


FREDRICS TOWSON 1004 
PERMANENTS FOR APPOINTMENT 

The Hill ^Beauty Salon 

YORK ROAD AT BURKE AVENUE 

Featuring Zotos Wave 

(No Machinery — No Electricity) 

Most Scientific Methods of Beauty Culture 

SKILLED OPERATORS 



Our Junior Miss and Young Fellows' 
Shops on the Fourth Floor are foremost 
in style for the collegiate miss and youth. 




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MASON'S GARAGE & 
SERVICE STATION 

Official AAA Station 
Towson, Md. 



24-Hour Service 



LOUISE BEAUTY SHOPPE 

32 York Road 

Smart Distinctive Waves and 
Haircuts at Moderate Prices 

Convenient for Normal School 
Phone: Towson 1022 



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4600 York Road 



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Ladies' and Gents' Tailors 



Phone 
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Towson, Md. 



Samuel lltrfe Se ^>on, 3toc. 

Jewelers » Stationers « Silversmiths 
421 North Charles Street 

DIAMONDS . GOLD JEWELRY 

WRIST WATCHES » FINE STATIONERY 

GIFTS IN SILVERWARE 

Founded 181; 
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402 York Road, Next to Chesapeake Ave. 
Towson, Md. 

Skilled Watch, Clock, Jewelry, Eye Glass 

and Fountain Pen Repairing 

Diamond Setting 

Birthday Cards Parker Pens Cuink 



Compliments 

of 

Hochschild, Kohn & Co. 



JENKINS 

Manufacturer of School 

and College Jewelry 

20 W. Redwood Street 



Josef 



HAIR DRESSERS 



Telephone, Plaza 4136 

223 W. Saratoga Street 

2nd Floor 



Second Bational jSank 
of 'Eotoson, $M 



THOMSEN-N 




TOWER 
LIGHT 










(La) 



JANUARY, 1935 




The Tower Light 




IHatyland State Jlovmal School 
at fowson 

T O W S O N , M D . 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Student Project under the Federal Emergency 

Relief Act 3 

What Is a "Gentlewoman"? 7 

Are They Useful? 8 

America's Deserted Island 9 

Noise 10 

The Dangers of Being Satisfied 11 

Poetry 12 

Editorials 14 

Christmas Broadcast 16 

The Baltimore Civic Opera Company's 

Presentation of Aida 18 

Assemblies 19 

Alumnae, Note 23 

Well! Well! Well! 25 

Revelations 26 

Faculty Notes 28 

Book Reviews 30 

Sports 32 

Advertisements 35 



The Tower Light 



Vol. VIII JANUARY, 1935 No. 4 

Student Projects under the Federal 
Emergency Relief Act 

Rebecca C. Tansil, Registrar 
The Maryland State Normal School, Towson, Maryland 

IN discussing the plans of the FERA projects with the group of stu- 
dents selected for the work, we emphasized three benefits which we 
hoped would develop from the experiences : 

1. That the individual student would receive sufficient financial 
aid to make it possible for him to continue his education — the basic 
reason, of course, for the aid. 

2. That the institution and the outside agencies using the stu- 
dents thus selected would be able to undertake some worthwhile 
projects heretofore impossible because of lack of funds. 

3. That each student employed under the FERA would receive 
valuable training in the project undertaken and that this project 
would be correlated with his teacher-training course now in opera- 
tion so as to add to his value as a teacher after graduation from the 
Normal School. 

Although the majority of student appointments for work under 
the Federal Aid were made prior to the opening of school, the full pro- 
gram did not get under way until about a week or ten days after the 
College officially opened. This delay gave the freshmen an opportunity 
to complete the battery of entrance tests and other activities connected 
with freshmen week as well as begin their schedule of studies. A per- 
sonal interview was held with each student to determine, if possible, 
his aptitude for certain types of work, also his ability to undertake the 
extra hours in addition to his regular program of studies. 

At the first faculty meeting held on registration day the plans for 
the work were explained and the faculty members were given blanks to 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



fill out and return stating the type of aid they needed in their depart- 
ments and also any suggestions they might make as to possible projects. 
It was explained that many students would be raw material and that 
each faculty member must be responsible for the training in his depart- 
ment. On the basis of these returns and numerous interviews with vari- 
ous departmental heads and outside agencies the assignments were 
made. Sixty- two students were employed for 652 hours a week — the 
number of hours depending upon the program of the student, and upon 
his physical condition. 

In the first assignments 80 per cent of the work covered intramural 
projects and 20 per cent community projects. Although the school op- 
erates on a semester basis certain changes take place at mid-semester 
because of student teaching and these changes, of course, affect some of 
the assignments. 

Some few changes were made on this basis. We received numerous 
requests from outside agencies asking for additional aid, so that be- 
ginning with the second nine weeks the time devoted to community 
projects has been increased to about 30 per cent and the campus activi- 
ties decreased to 70 per cent. The number of students aided increased 
during this period from 62 to 65 and the number of hours to 661 per 
week. 

The work on the campus at present falls under several heads : 

Library. We have always considered student aid in the library valu- 
able not only to the school but to the students employed. Until two 
years ago we had in our budget an item called "extra help," a large 
portion of which was used for student assistants in the library. When 
this item was no longer included on the budget the library was handi- 
capped. Students realizing this situation built up a voluntary or- 
ganization called the Library Committee and gave their services free 
because many of them enjoyed the prestige of the library work and ap- 
preciated the valuable training they were receiving. Now that we are 
receiving Federal funds we are able to pay for this work. 

Laboratory Work, Clerical Work, Typing. Through the students doing 
this work we have increased our services to the various student teach- 
ing centers by circulating music records, picture slides, and illustrative 
materials. We have been able to add to our educational materials by 
the typing of selected units of work to be placed in the library. 

Glen Project. We are continually trying to get our students ac- 
quainted with what we call the "back yard" of our campus. Here we 
have a rather beautiful natural glen and the Rural Club has had charge 
of developing this portion of the campus to make it a wild flower pre- 
serve. For over a year we have tried to secure federal aid for this project 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



and this year we have been given the services of an engineer and five 
or six workmen three days a week. Several hundred trees have been 
planted and we hope to have all Maryland trees represented here as well 
as all wild flowers that will grow in this locality. This glen will be 
used for the enjoyment of the students and will serve as a laboratory 
for their courses in nature study. We have assigned eight or ten men 
students to work on this project on Saturdays. In case of rain we have 
arranged certain indoor projects — painting, cleaning, etc. 

Community Projects. In the extramural work there are 29 students 
doing 187 hours of work each week. These projects include the fol- 
lowing: 

Maryland Library Advisory Commission 72 hours 

Baltimore Museum of Art 28 

Enoch Pratt Public Library 32 

Children's Home of Baltimore 12 

Roosevelt Recreation Center 16 

Towson High School Library 5 

Towson High School Carpentry 16 

Towson Woman's Club 6 

Total 187 hours 

Maryland Library Advisory Commission. Nine students work with the 
Maryland Public Library Commission. This commission works with 
the public school libraries over the state and renders valuable service. 
Our students were first given a training course in book mending, classi- 
fication and selection of books and other things dealing with problems 
of the small library. The students are most enthusiastic about this 
particular piece of work. Several have remarked about the work, "Do 
you know that what we have been taught is given as a regular college 
course in library schools?" The nine students work every Saturday. 
Some are kept in the home office in Baltimore while others are sent to 
various high schools in the near-by counties to help with the libraries. 
These helpers not only assist in building up the library visited but in 
turn they train certain high school students to carry on the work. 
These students, we feel, will be better teachers in the schools of Mary- 
land because of this training. They will know how to establish small 
libraries in their local communities and because of the contact with the 
Library Commission will know where to go for advice and help. 

Enoch Pratt Public Library. The central branch of this library, 
housed in its new modern building, is a favorite spot for all Baltimore 
City students. The director of the library requested that some of the 
FERA students be assigned to that department since he felt that the 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Normal School training they had received would make them valuable 
assistants to his staff. He is cooperating by planning a diversified pro- 
gram for these students. 

Baltimore Museum of Art. Five students work on Saturday mornings 
at the Baltimore Museum of Art. Two work in the Museum Library 
and Print Department and three assist the Children's Curator in her 
regular Saturday morning classes for children. In addition to the Satur- 
day work one assists with the children's hour on Sunday afternoon. 

Roosevelt Recreation Center. Two students spend each Saturday at this 
recreation center working with groups of children in folk dancing, 
story telling, games, and various play activities. Because of a shortage 
of funds the center has been unable to offer Saturday classes recently, 
and these students are thus given an opportunity to build up their own 
program under the supervision of the Director. 

Children's Home of Baltimore. Three students are carrying on a social 
program at this orphanage on Friday evenings. One boy, who is a 
musician, plays the piano and the children are taught dancing and sing- 
ing by the other two assistants. These students are seniors and all have 
had at least nine weeks of student teaching prior to this undertaking. 
This project has been under way for only a few weeks but the students 
are pleased with the progress made this far. 

Towson High School. Two students give some assistance in the high 
school library each week. Two men students are doing various car- 
pentry jobs in the high school under the supervision of the Principal. 
At present they are repairing desks in the various classrooms, building 
library shelves and helping to install a new cafeteria. 

Towson Woman s Club. Two students give a few hours each week to 
the President of the Towson Woman's Club, a newly formed civic or- 
ganization. The president in addition works with the Federated Music 
Clubs and the students assist in arranging music files, sending out 
notices and doing other clerical duties that arise. 

The list of the above projects shows the varied experiences offered 
to the students working under the FERA. The most gratifying part of 
the whole program is the enthusiasm and earnestness of the students. 
They consider it a privilege to work and are not unaware of the many 
benefits received. The quality of work has been beyond all expectations. 
There have been few complaints about work and changes in assign- 
ments have corrected these. The services rendered by the students are 
attested by continual calls for more student help in the various projects. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



What Is a "Gentlewoman"? 

IN this school about a year ago there was some discussion concerning 
the qualities of a gentleman. We have been patiently waiting to 
hear some similar discourse on the qualities of a lady, but none has 
been forthcoming. In keeping with the spirit of helpfulness which has 
always pervaded this department we have pursued a bit of elemental 
research into the matter. 

By way of digression, we wonder why woman took the title 
"lady," instead of sticking to "gentlewoman" which had served so 
well during the earlier part of England's history. Lady meant "bread- 
giver" or "loaf-giver," just as "Lord" meant "maintainer of laws." 
Since the Lord maintained laws not so much for his family as for a 
multitude of dependents, so the Lady broke bread among a multitude 
of dependents. The reason for the change remains a mystery to us un- 
less it is explained by some of the characteristics found in women by 
the Orientals. What we can glean from all this however, is, that since 
the women have assumed the title lady, they have assumed the respon- 
sibility of, figuratively of course, breaking the bread with the multi- 
tude of less fortunates — which implies a certain amount of graciousness 
and grace, (not the same by any means). 

The Oriental mind is keen and perceptive. In several lines the 
Japanese have, in their "Greater Learning of Women," summed up a 
wealth of information. 

"The five worst maladies that affect the female mind are: indocil- 
ity, discontent, slander, jealousy, and silliness. Without any doubt, 
these five maladies afflict 7 or 8 out of every 10 women, and from them 
arise the inferiority of women. A woman should cure them by self- 
inspection and self-reproach. The worst of them and the parent of the 
other four is silliness." 

We must keep in mind that most of the writing in Japan was done 
by men and so this opinion may be a bit biased. Yet we can think of 
none better fitted than men to observe women. It is quite reasonable 
to believe that the ratio of women afflicted by the maladies is less here 
and now than it was there and then. The fundamental things to re- 
member are the list of qualities in women which keep them from be- 
ing gentlewomen, ladies, ladylike (choose which suits your fancy) and 
make them obnoxious; and the two procedures which overcome the 
difficulties, turn the negative qualities into their positive complements, 
and help make women "ladies." 

The romantic Celtic people held and hold to the ideal of sweetness 
and loveliness in women. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Ruskin believed that gentlewomen should show kindness, have 
understanding, be capable of accurate thought, be modest, have imag- 
ination, have patience, and have "taste." 

Now, to see how we have progressed, let us take the "woman" 
that scrubs the floor and add to her; grace, graciousness, the powers of 
self-introspection and self-reproach which will bring about a certain 
docility, contentedness, open-mindedness, and sobriety; sweetness; 
loveliness; kindness; understanding; capability of accurate thinking; 
modesty; imagination; and good taste. Would we have a lady? We 
think so. Personally, however, we would like a dash of pride, temper, 
and wit thrown in to make things interesting. 



Are They Useful? 



CAN you imagine tiny creatures, with no hands or feet, having the 
audacity of sometimes tickling our throats or sending shivers 
up and down our spine? It doesn't take very many to do this; 
a few million will do the trick. These unusually small cells, of which I 
am speaking, may aid us, too. 

Undoubtedly you have heard of bacteria, minute unicellular 
plants, which are so small that thousands could be placed on a pin- 
head. I shall first tell you about their extreme usefulness. In the pro- 
duction of many types of food, these smallest of living things are of 
inestimable value. Before cream can be churned into butter, it must be 
acted upon by certain bacteria, which give butter its particular flavor. 
Several cheeses are inoculated with certain strains of bacteria to give 
them their flavors. Vinegar, wine, spaghetti, sauerkraut, and ham all 
need the aid of bacteria during their production. I hope this statement 
won't keep you from eating these foods. In fact, scientists are think- 
ing of producing delicious and wholesome food made solely of bacteria! 
Bacteria are extremely useful in agriculture, in that they break up 
dead organic matter into rich and fertile humus. They cause the con- 
tinuance of the nitrogen cycle, in which the nitrogen of the air is built 
up into compounds suitable for use by leguminous plants (peas, beans, 
clover). Did you know that before? These microscopic plants are very 
useful to man in many other ways. There are millions of bacteria in 
out intestines which keep in check the growth of putrefactive bacteria 
found there. Don't be afraid! 

But now, let us consider the harmful or pathogenic strains of bac- 
teria. It is this group of which we should be scared. They are the causes 
of Diphtheria, Colds, Hydrophobia, Scarlet Fever, and many other dis- 
eases. It is not the organism itself that harms animal tissue, but rather 

8 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



it is the waste products it sends off. There are many chemical means 
by which an animal may attempt to rid itself of these germs. We have 
the white corpuscles, anti-toxins, and antibodies (given off by the cells 
of the body into the blood) to aid us in our fight. 

All in all, considering the various "attitudes" of bacteria, we can 
safely say that these minute plants are mainly our friends and are more 
useful than harmful to us. Does this reassure you? 

Max Berzofsky, Freshman TV. 

America's Deserted Island 

SURELY this couldn't be my own country — I must have drifted off 
my course to one of the twelfth century crusader's strongholds in 
Syria or to an ancient castle in Touraine! Bastion and battlement, 
round towers, crenelations, ramparts — all anchored steadfastly to the 
coral key, and all surrounded by a moat and a breakwater wall that 
warred eternally with the waves. This strange, mysterious citadel in 
the sea faces the invader, no matter from which side one approaches 
it, with a stern, forbidding face. 

I remembered many tragic stories that I had read before my visit to 
the fort, as I walked in the moonlight along the ramparts, down the 
spooky corridors, across the jungled court, of this haunted place. It 
must be haunted, this place where so much suffering has endured, 
where so many have died in anguish. The night-flying, night-crying 
terns, like bats, were still darting about the walls. Their cries sounded 
subdued and distressful, like the faint clank of chains down the arched 
corridors, like the chanting of slaves dragging cannon to the battle- 
ment, like the moans of many dying men. What fearful, what blood- 
chilling things one can witness and can hear when watching and listen- 
ing, alone, in the shadows of this moonlit corpse ! Suddenly, a mosquito 
drifted past by ear, whining its murderous little song — the song of 
death that made the War Department forsake Fort Jefferson. Shivering 
I hurried through the blackness down the spiral steps, along the black 
arches, across the shining moat, away from the portals of Arcadia, and 
requested my friends to take me quickly out to sea. 

Rescigno, Freshman TV. 



The first thing which college work demands of a student is that he 
shall get things straight. The most important and most extensive of 
his activities as a student will be the obtaining, the sifting, the relating, 
and the stating of facts. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Noise 

BANG! Bang! With steady rhythmic sound, the heavy hammers 
I beat ceaselessly upon stone. A frantic teacher bewailed this situa- 
tion. "I simply cannot endure that eternal noise," she lamented. 

On another occasion, I saw this scene. A child was diligently 
drawing. Except for the scratching of his pencil, the room was quiet. 
After a long time, however, the mother, beyond endurance, said 
sharply, "Stop that noise!" 

These two incidents made me wonder. What is noise? What vari- 
eties of noise are there? 

According to the dictionary, noise is any sound. Such a definition, 
however, tends to be prosaic. The subject of noise is much more inter- 
esting than that. 

Noise is a vital factor in modern living. It is interesting, therefore, 
to note the kinds of noises. Noises may be loud or soft, harsh or pleas- 
antly melodious; they may have musical quality or be utterly devoid 
of it. I am concerned with noise classified according to the volume of 
tone. 

Loud noises are especially predominant in cities. There is the con- 
fused conglomeration of sounds of heavy traffic with their loud blasts 
of automobile horns, shrieking whistles of policemen and the incessant 
hum of motors. The wild shrill cry of a madly screaming siren is often 
present. Among other familiar clamorous noises is the boisterous 
clank of street car bells, the slamming of doors, the raucous yelling of 
street venders, and the ear splitting blare of radios. 

Soft noises are in direct contrast to these. There are many low 
harmonious sounds in nature: the whirring of the swishing autumn 
winds, the trickling, murmuring of a stream as it washes over pebbles, 
and the faint buzzing chirps of insects. There are other quiet sounds 
such as the soft thud of feet on a carpet, the scraping of ancient pens, 
and the squeaking of rusty hinges. 

Noise sometimes has detrimental effects. It may be as unpleasant 
or irritating as the rasping of a file. It may be distracting. Often, it is 
annoying. This is very true when it prevents enjoyment of good music 
or scintillating conversation. 

These are its disadvantages, but it also has its values. It may drown 
out an insipid, but well-intentioned lecture. It may also develop keener 
discrimination. This faculty could be stimulated by constant noting 
of the number of flats or discords the aspiring soprano in the adjoining 
house attains. Moreover, it can be an excellent excuse for inability to 
study, particularly if there is a good show at the neighborhood theatre. 

10 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Noise may, therefore, be of many types of sounds. It may be harm- 
ful or beneficial, but, at least, it is never dull. 

Aldona Sinush, Freshman III. 

The Dangers of Being Satisfied 

ALTHOUGH "satisfy" has many meanings and may be used as a 
r~\ term in several subjects such as law and mathematics, for the 
•* ^present we shall limit the meaning to the mental contentment 
of a person with his present status. 

By applying logic to this definition, one may readily see the danger 
of being satisfied. Assuming that intellectual progress is desirable in 
intelligent living, we may say, "To progress is to move forward or ad- 
vance, intellectually; to be satisfied is to be content; to be content is not 
intellectual growth"; therefore, we may say that to be satisfied is not 
to progress. Perhaps I may make this clearer by using symbols. 

Let us use P for progress, S for satisfaction, C for contentment, and 
I for intellectual growth. Then we may say — P is I, C is not I; S is C, 
S is not P and we may say that satisfaction is not progress. 

For a confirmation of our deduction, we have but to observe our 
everyday surroundings. Here is the student who has an assignment to 
do. He works and completes the assignment and is satisfied to stop. 
Perhaps he has done it well, perhaps not; in any case, he is satisfied. 
How much better it would have been for this student to have carried 
his work a little farther and to have broadened himself with richer 
knowledge. In doing this he could help others as well as himself. In- 
stead, he is satisfied and there is a loss. 

Then, there is the case of the satisfied athletic team. Over confi- 
dence is the word often used in this case, but it means the same as 
satisfied. "We are good," they say, "we don't have to know any 
more." They are satisfied with their present standing. They are not 
willing to progress and make themselves better. Without exception 
sooner or later these teams are rudely awakened by defeat. 

This deplorable condition of satisfaction may be readily seen 
wherever it exists. If observed long enough, its dangers will make 
themselves prominent through a sinking of the individual into the deep 
rut worn by many others who never had the desire to do anything, 
never saw anything to do, and consequently, never did anything. 

Myron D. Mezick. 
11 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



In Deep Winter 

Try to remember the enfolding warmth of summer 

In cold icy December 

When the world is a black and white death. 

The road is a yellow bog 

And the trees sigh under their weight of white snow. 

The woods are black 

Filled with drifting white, 

And the sun that shines meekly thru 

Skips around the black shadows under the trees. 

There is no fragrance of flowers, 

Only the dead smell of black trees 

And of a wood fire burning. 

There is no sound in all the world 

Save the whispering rattle of leaves — dead and sere, 

And the quiet trickle of an icy stream 

Deep in the woods. 

Margaret Cooley, Senior I. 



To Emily Bronte 

Sometimes — 

A wild, impassioned spirit 

Surged, caged and restless, 

In her tawny being — 

This silent and coldly aloof 

Creature of the Yorkshire moors. 

Often — 

Some pensive melancholy 

Burned moodily, fiercely 

Scorching and intense, 

(Imprinting) with molten metal 

Those scenes of "Wuthering Heights' 

Unforgetable. 



12 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Departure 

He came from the lonely forest and 

beheld 
A world unlike his own until 

no force 
Could keep him from the beauty 

that he loved, 
And so, unheard, he silently returned 
To peace and earth and stilled loveliness. 

Leon Lerner, Freshman TV. 



Suffering in Nature 

Bare, aching, trees — 

storm-tossed — 
Snared in the talons of rain soaked wind. 
Swept, sodden, leaves — 

trampled — 
Ground back, remorselessly, to elements. 

Ruth Keir, Senior V. 



"Fancy" 

Grey skies, 

Chill night 

Snow flakes flitting, blown 

By a wind, 

Drifting, a blanket of down 

Stillness, 

Sunrise, 

Diamonds flashing, bright 

O'er tree and field. 

Enchantment — glorious sight. 

E. Turner, Senior TV. 



13 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Tower Light 

Published monthly by the students of the Maryland State 
Normal School at Towson 

STUDENT EDITORS 
Editor Managing Editor 

Mary-Stewart Lewis Mary Douglas 

Business Manager 
Earl Palmer 

Circulation Managers Advertising Managers 

Mary B. Yeager Marian Cunningham 

Irene Shank Elsie Meiners 

Dorothea Stinchcomb Justus Meyer 

Jeanette Mathias Betty Rust 

DEPARTMENT EDITORS 

Assembly Athletics General Literature 

Ruth Keir Theodore Woronka Edward Turner 

Helene Ziegler Fairfax Brooke 

„ Secretarial Staff 

Poetry Social u c 

Hbkm^ B ainder Mam Bocher "£££££ 

Science Elizabeth Goodhand Margaret Clark 

Edith Waxman Eulalie Smith 

Library Music 

Ruth Hale Sarena Fried Humor 

Thomas Johnson Gene Benbow 

$1.50 per year 20 cents -per copy 

Alice Munn, Faculty Adviser 



Music a Frill ? 

TWO years ago, when the decrease in the school system's budget 
necessitated the weeding out of "expensive and unneeded sub- 
jects" from the curriculum, the cry went up to drop music and 
other "frills." 

14 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Why was music called a "frill"? Two answers present themselves: 
one is, that music is not necessary in earning a living; the second, that 
music is merely a medium for "showing off." 

Let's examine these reasons: What a harsh, drab world this would 
be if our whole time were taken up with just "making a living!" 
Picture yourself being "slave-driven" twenty-four hours a day, with a 
few hours for eating and sleeping — no recreation, no diversion, nothing 
really new happening ; just the same old grind three hundred sixty-five days 
a year. Such a life reminds us of the poor, plodding workingman whose 
sole recreation was the wearing of shoes two sizes too small for him — 
because he felt so good at night when he took them off. We are told, 
however, that, not so long ago, life was like that. Mom worked 
around the house so hard all day long, that at night she was glad to 
get to bed as soon as she could. Pop's job kept him so busy that he was 
"plumb tuckered out" when he came home; so he felt the same way 
Mom did. Thus, for many a family, life was little more than a dirge 
of unending monotony, not without its effects — an example of which 
is seen in the experience of the old rancher who couldn't imagine why 
his wife had gone insane, '"specially since she hadn't stuck her nose 
oustide o' the door fer nigh onto twenty years." Today, we are living 
in a radically different environment. Thanks to electrical and other 
household conveniences and labor organizations, Mom and Pop don't 
have to work so hard — and, naturally, aren't so tired when supper is 
over. 

Something must be done in this new leisure time — preferably, 
something worthwhile, as well as restful. Overstreet says, "Music, 
perhaps, for the greater number of us, is always the most easily accessi- 
ble of the forms of relaxation." This does not mean so much attending 
the opera or listening to a good chorus over the radio as doing something 
ourselves. After all, we get more from an activity in which we, our- 
selves, participate, than from an experience that we enjoy vicariously. 
For those of us who "have never had a music lesson" this activity may 
take the form of whistling, singing, or playing the "mouth-organ." 

Here, it may be well to remember that Dr. Samuel Johnson, noted 
for his depreciation of music, claimed he could not enjoy it; but even 
he grudgingly admitted that it was the least disagreeable of all noises. 

It is a shame that so many people look upon music as a means of 
display. We do not wonder at this attitude, however, when we find 
parents urging — sometimes forcing — their offspring to take music les- 
sons so they can give a creditable "performance" when called upon to 
"play for Uncle Ned and Aunt Lettie." 

One of our jobs as teachers is to provide opportunity for children 
to enjoy themselves musically. In elementary school, an observant 
teacher may find a pupil who shows special talent in music; if this 



15 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



teacher recommends him for special music lessons, he may become 
tomorrow's Wagner or Verdi. Then he may contribute more musical 
gems for the enjoyment of mankind. 

Is music a frill? The answer must be made in terms of the indi- 
vidual. To the person who has had little or no contact with it, and, 
consequently, does not understand it, music is a useless frill. To a person 
who has heard it in all its varied glory, who has enjoyed the thrill of 
exploring its beauties, music becomes a tonic for our weariness and 
an instructive pleasure for our leisure moments. 

J. E. MacCubbin, Senior III. 

Christmas Broadcast 

OUR third annual Christmas broadcast was given on Sunday 
morning, December 16, from station WCAO. The entire pro- 
gram was as follows : 

The Shepherd's Story Dickinson 

Lullaby, Jesus Dear Polish Carol 

Glee Club 
Greeting 

Miss Tall 
Carol of the Birds French Carol, arranged by Noble Cain 

Glee Club 
O Tannenbaum German Folk Tune 

Men's Quartet 
Gloria in Excelsis Deo French Carol 

Glee Club 

The members of the Glee Club feel that they reached a climax in 
their artistic endeavor, this year, in the "Shepherd's Story" by Dickin- 
son. This composition, with its varied parts, now tender^and delicate, 
now magnificent, seems to give expression to every Christmas mood. 
The three short solos, for tenor, baritone, and soprano, were given by 
Isadore Cohen, Myron Mezick, and Emily Ross. Besides, you will re- 
member, there are portions for men's voices only, for girls' voices, and 
for the entire chorus. Our study and performance of this work has 
given us great satisfaction. 

The rest of the program was suitable company for the ' 'Shepherd's 
Story." "Lullaby, Jesus Dear," is certainly one of the loveliest of the 
Christ Child carols. The "Carol of the Birds" is a carol of legend, and 

16 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



has about it an air of dignity and mysticism. "O Tannenbaum," given 
by our senior quartet, Isadore Cohen, Theodore Woronka, Edward 
MacCubbin, and Irvin Samuelson, is one of the simplest and most sin- 
cere of folk songs. Because it is so well known and beloved, it went 
to the hearts of many of our audience. "Gloria," the verse of which 
was sung by Emily Ross, Dorothy Lorenz, Eleanor Wilson, and Doris 
Middleton, is a fine old carol, inspiring in its effect. 

Miss Tail's address, preceded and followed by carols, was timely 
and appropriate, and helped to give charm and meaning to the entire 
program. We are glad to give you Miss Tail's message in full : 

"If the schools were good advertising agencies, especially those 
which believe that music is essential to the good life, they might im- 
itate the Florist's Association and raise the slogan "Say it with 
Singing. ' ' The two solstices — December 21 and June 21 — were observed 
by the pagan peoples with festival and song. The sun, old Sol, with 
his solstices, was honored for his power. When he stood still — what, 
they prayed, would he do. When he hid his face in December the days 
became shorter and the darkness, the dread night, became longer. When 
he proudly deigned to change the scheme in March, the joyous day be- 
came longer and the night shorter. Those of the Hebrew religion still 
honor the December change in their Feast of Lights; the Christian 
people honor it through the birth of Christ, a symbol of light to the 
world. Hence, in our Christmas carols and songs; we say our devotions 
in singing. 

The State Normal School at Towson feels strongly the Christ- 
mas spirit. For ten days or longer our halls are resonant with Christ- 
mas pine and fir and cedar, and the air resounds with carols which ex- 
press the joy and wonder and appreciation of the season's spirit. We 
communicate to each other, through singing, the spirit that is a part 
of the larger comprehensive spirit which goes to make up a real school. 

To those of our graduates who are listening in, the following de- 
tails about the Glee Club may prove interesting. There are 103 mem- 
bers. Baltimore City and Baltimore County lead with the largest num- 
bers. Allegheny County, Frederick County, Harford County, Queen 
Anne County, Somerset County, Wicomoco County, and Worcester 
County are represented. 

Especially today we are singing in honor of all former Glee Club 
members, who, while at school, had the pleasure of broadcasting over 
WCAO. But, to everyone, graduate or non-graduate, big or little, old 
or young, we sing also, because it is the Christmas tide. May this 
Christmas season bring joy and cheer to all peoples." 



17 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



A Christmas of Light and Song 

THE merrymaking of the resident students this year was spon- 
sored by Jack Frost and Holly Berry — nature's rivals who became 
friends for the Christmas tide. Carol singing in Richmond Social 
Room, followed by the lighting of candles, the open rank processional 
to the dining hall, a fine dinner, music, and the voicing of our own 
deeper Christmas feelings, all brought us very close to each other and 
the real spirit of Christmas. 

Our guests were Miss Tall, Miss Crabtree, and Miss Pearson. 
After the dinner came the grand march, a gay dance amid snow- 
balls and serpentine. The music was furnished by Donald Schwanebeck 
and his friends. Merrily we pranced to our midnight spreads. 

This evening of light and song made us feel that "the dearest, 
truest Christmas is the Christmas of the heart." 

Mary Bucher. 

The Baltimore Civic Opera Company's 
Presentation of "Aida" 

THE Normal School was fortunate to have the Baltimore Civic 
Opera Company present "Aida" in the auditorium December 11. 
To many members of the school, this opera company has a per- 
sonal interest, Miss Schroeder and one of our students having partici- 
pated in this production. We, too, were acquainted with Mr. Jachens 
through a concert he had given us some time before. 

The first high spot of the opera was, to the writer, the singing of 
the ever delightful "Celeste Aida" with which we were familiar, the 
Glee Club having sung it on occasions. The rich voice of Mr. McComas 
was brought forth in this song. Another fine point of the night was the 
dramatic scene in which Amneris begs for the life of Rhadames. Mr. 
Jachens showed both rhythm and grace in his bearing as well as dra- 
matic power in his singing. The writer thought that the enunciation 
and clarity of Mr. Richard Bond's singing in the role of the Ethiopian 
king was refreshing and well done. The opera was brought to a touch- 
ing close in the farewell scene in which Miss Schuchhardt showed her- 
self as a real Aida. Mr. Martinet, who staged the opera, deserves no 
small share of the praise for the performance of the cast. 

Although this opera group was handicapped by a change of stage, 
the changing of scenes was rather smoothly accomplished. The cos- 
tumes were splendid and together with the scenery often made a most 
impressive effect. We hope that the school will be able to offer more 
programs of such artistic endeavor in the future. 

Frank Zeichner, Senior III. 

18 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Assemblies 

JOSEPH AUSLANDER 

Mr. Auslander made us aware at the outset that he was completely 
happy to talk to the M.S.N.S. students, but certainly he could not have 
been happier than we were to hear him. He opened his address with a 
humorous incident which took place at Harvard University and set 
forth an idea which he developed all through his talk — write of things 
that are real — things that are felt, seen and experienced. 

Every poem which moves us has sprung from real experience and 
though it may be imaginative, the life of imagination is as real as real. 
The poet makes the world over in terms of imagination, and if one 
makes truth stir him he is a writer of poetry. Poe's fantastically beau- 
tiful poems are imaginative, but through them we get "magnified 
echoes of our own troubled souls." 

We were honored to hear Mr. Auslander read some poems from his 
book which has not yet been published and were very deeply apprecia- 
tive, so much so that we were torn between showing him our apprecia- 
tion by clapping or keeping silent so as not to break the spell after the 
lovely flow of words had stopped. The poem "Steel" was the climax, 
and when the last word of it was spoken we felt that no other words 
need be said, somehow that was the fitting end. 

MR. HEPBRON 

The United States is the most crime ridden country in the world! 
European countries have discovered a reasonable cure for crime but the 
United States has failed because it has not efficient administration of 
justice. 

Mr. Hepbron thinks were justice administered efficiently, crime 
would decrease considerably in the U.S. 

The criminal's first thought is, "Can I get away with it?" and in 
the U.S. he has thirteen chances to one to escape punishment for his 
crime. If, however, the law-breaker is caught, he still may escape 
punishment because of the corrupt workings of the machinery of the 
law and the long period elapsing between the time of his crime and his 
conviction. In England it takes five minutes to select the jury; in the 
United States, ninety days. 

There is no such thing as life imprisonment in the United States; 
only in name does this form of punishment exist. A criminal serves on 
an average of 10 to 12 years when convicted for life imprisonment. Out 
of 9,000 crimes committed in the last three years only 100 were pun- 
ished, which shows something needs to be done, and Mr. Hepbron 
forcibly brought out that efficient administration is really the only 
way out of the difficulty. 

19 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



MISS BERSCH — Elementary Education 

Miss Bersch, in her talk on ' 'Elementary Education, ' ' informed us 
that teachers in the elementary field are less stable than in any other 
field; that is, elementary teachers don't "stay put" in lower grades but 
escape as soon as possible to teach in higher grades. It was once 
thought that people did not have to know as much to teach elementary 
grades as to teach high school, but teaching elementary grades means 
specialization in all subjects while teaching in high school means 
specialization in only one subject. Maryland requires just as much 
training for elementary teachers as high school teachers — four years. 

One reason why teachers left the elementary field was the small 
salaries. Maryland, however, thinks teachers should have higher 
salaries. As a teacher, security is offered. After a person has taught 
two years, he cannot be dropped from service if he proves capable. 
Increases in salaries are offered and an income is guaranteed when re- 
tirement age is reached. 

Miss Bersch gave us a picture of the supervisor; one of seeing 
the supervisor in the light of a helper, councilor and guide. She showed 
us how important elementary education is, how we must interrelate 
subjects, build personalities, grasp the point from bottom to top and 
really specialize in elementary education. 

MISS TALL 

"Can you find yourself?" was the subject of Miss Tail's talk to us 
on December 3. Taking her text from Hamlin Garland's "Son of the 
Middle Border' ' she read, ' 'But as he was born on the border and always 
lived on the border, how could he find himself?" 

Each student should try to find himself, striving to find his special 
talent and then sacrificing, if necessary, to develop in that one talent. 
Student teaching offers an opportunity for finding oneself. It is a chal- 
lenge involving, most emphatically, the phrase "Can You Take It?" 
Every one can be an expert; he has to be, in order to find himself, and 
grow in understanding, personality and wisdom. Therefore, do not 
remain on the border but search deep into your life, finding those things 
which are best and most beautiful in you. 

MR. ADAMS 

Australia — the far-away land so little known, was brought near 
to us when Mr. Adams gave his authentic address. Many people are 
misinformed regarding Australia because textbook writers do not 
have facts; therefore Mr. Adams emphasized getting information for 
teaching children from good sources. 

The Blacks were not forced back into the interior of Australia, 
when white men came, but rather they came nearer to the settlements 

20 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



of the whites because they (the whites) supported them. However, the 
coming of the white man brought death to these natives in the form of 
disease. 

The development of Australia was caused by the war for Inde- 
pendence. In 1770 Cook discovered eastern Australia and convicts were 
deported from England to the new land. At last the convict settlement 
ended and in 1849 gold was discovered and men from all over the world 
went to seek their fortunes. 

In Australia there has been compulsory education for 70 years, 
immigration is restricted and, as a result, the country is sparsely popu- 
lated. Mr. Adams is most loyal to his country and urged us to be to 
our United States. 

MISS BIRDSONG 

From an experiment, it can be seen that what children have gained 
from the idea or Christmas are mainly these facts: Getting, to the point 
of greediness, killing and getting killed (in connection with Christ), 
the Jews are bad, and God punishes the bad. The children had ac- 
quired these misconceptions of Christmas from people around them. 
Let us, then, turn to ourselves and see what Christmas means to us. 
The encyclopedia gives the definition— Christmas — feast celebrating 
Christ's birthday. 

If it is a feast celebrating Christ's birthday, let us see what kind of 
a man Christ was. He was an outdoor man, sociable and with personal 
magnetism. He was friendly, sincere, strong and had great faith in the 
importance of the work one has to do. We need to have faith. A good 
source for ideas on this subject is, "The Man Nobody Knows," by 
Bruce Barton. 

Ruth Keir. 



Child-Study Group Program 

Topic III. Government Regulations of Every-Day Living. 
Pure Food and Drugs Act. 
January 16, 1935 — Discussion Meeting Based on Book Reviews of 

Readings on Topic III, led by Mrs. Donald H. Wilson. 
January 30, 1935 — Talk on Topic III by Mrs. Emil Crockin. 

Topic TV. What Can We Do About Movies and Radio? 

February 13, 1935 — Discussion Meeting Based on Book Reviews of 

Readings on Topic IV, led by Mrs. O. Warren Buck. 
February 27, 1935 — Talk on Topic IV by Mrs. Robert B. Wagner. 

21 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The National Symphony Orchestra 

UNDER Hans Kindler's inspired direction, the National Sym- 
phony Orchestra presented a varied and entertaining program 
Wednesday evening, December 5- 

The "Leonore' Overture No. 3" by Beethoven opened the program. 
It is a magnificently expanded first movement form of the classical 
symphony. Spiritual conflicts are very well expressed in the overture. 

As a contrast, almost equally pleasing, was offered Purcell's 
"Suite for Strings," consisting of selections from his incidental music 
to various plays. This instrumental music is tuneful, with incisive 
rhythms and interesting part arrangements. 

Miss Olga Averino, soprano, was the guest soloist, singing the 
mystical "Canticum Fratis Solis" (Song of Brother Sun) of Loeffler, 
a living composer of the United States. 

Following the intermission, the fitting climax to the evening's 
entertainment was the mighty, somber "Symphony No. 2, in D Major, 
Op. 43" by Sibelius. This symphony reveals traits of the Finns, their 
country and culture. 

In the lobby, at the conclusion of the performance, the general 
mood of the departing audience was one of satisfaction and enthusiasm. 

H. B., Senior III. 

Birds and the Campus 

CARDINAL, Junco, Nuthatch, Flicker, Sparrow, Blue-jay! Are 
these mere names to you, or do they mean cheerfulness, beauty, 
and friendliness? They should mean the latter, for birds are our 
friends, and birds do make our campus more beautiful, and even after a 
test, a bird's chirping and singing can make us cheerful. 

Realizing these things, the Rural Club and the Campus Fifth 
Grade have started a campaign to attract more birds to the campus. 
Their plans are: 

1. To keep bird feeds filled with crumbs, suet, seeds, and other 
bird delicacies; and to have water dishes in each feed. 

2. To make and put up a number of bird houses. 

3. To decorate a "Christmas tree" for the birds. Do you re- 
member the tree last year trimmed with cranberry strings, slices 
of fruit, tiny baskets of seeds and corn, and suet? 

Winter is Nature's hardest season — will you help make this winter 
a happy one for our birds? 

R. Jacobsen. 

22 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Egypt 

A palm tree — slender, graceful, tall, 
Her shadows, deep and silent, fall 
On sand so sere and fine and yellow 
A scene so quiet — restful and mellow. 

A pyramid afar off stands, 
Built stone on stone by human hands, 
Defiant in her wondrous size, 
Protecting still ones yet to rise. 

An evil sphinx stares — mocking, cruel 
Knowing eyes call mortal fool. 
Gazing, head fixed, wise, and grim — 
What aged secrets lie therein! 

Calm and green the River Nile 
Flows on, so faithful all the while. 
An orange quarter-moon hangs low 
On waters still, so free from woe. 

There stands a mummy, heedless of all, 
Once sturdy, laughing, able, tall, 
Reminiscing, sad, o'er life of old 
A king's son, brave, noble and bold. 

A faint breeze stirs, so sweet, serene, 
It knows so well the silent scene. 
Oh gentle breeze, let thine arms embrace 
Thy mysteries of old Egypt's race! 

Sylvia Bernstein, Freshman I. 

Alumnae, Note 

Announcements have been received of weddings among Normal 
School graduates: 

Miss Wilhelmina Holtschneider '23, August 1, to Mr. John D. 
Browning of Oakland, Maryland. 

Miss Hazel Manetto Wright '23, and Mr. Mack Neary Donahue, 
November 24, at Newark, Delaware. 

Miss Dorothy Margaret McGurty '29, to Mr. Walter Henry Spell- 
man on November 29, at Pittsburgh. 

Miss Norma Frederick and Mr. John Henry Fisher '30, November 
28. 

Miss Helen Flory to Donald Haugh '28, of Clear Spring, Maryland. 

23 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Anne Arundel County Revises Its 
Alumni Unit 

ON Saturday, November 10, the Maryland State Normal School 
Alumni of Anne Arundel County met at the home of Mrs. F. C. 
Stoll, near Glen Burnie. There was a splendid response in at- 
tendance from many sections of the county. 

We were honored by having with us representatives from Balti- 
more and Harford Counties; Miss Viola Almony from Baltimore County 
and Miss Hattie Bagley from Harford County who inspired us by telling 
of the successful efforts of the Units already functioning in their 
respective counties. 

Miss Mary Hudson Scarborough brought us that fine encourage- 
ment which bespeaks her genuine interest in our proposed unit. She 
also brought messages from several of the other County Units. 

Our State Alumni Association Officers were very good to us. Mr. 
Frank Purdum, the President, made us feel we already shared vitally 
the interests of the State Organization. Mrs. Albert Groshans, Secre- 
tary, and Miss Mary Grogan, Treasurer, linked us more strongly with 
the State Unit. Mr. Caples, Chairman of the Executive Committee, 
encouraged us, too, in our loyalty. 

As a most excellent conclusion to our enthusiastic meeting, Miss 
Lida Lee Tall, Principal of State Normal School, talked to us as only 
she can talk. She radiated those qualities necessary for the formation 
of a very strong unit. Many projects were suggested for the activity 
of our new unit. 

Following Miss Tail's talk, our Anne Arundel Unit was organized. 
Officers were elected as follows: Mr. John Stone, President; Mrs. Clar- 
ence Eason, Vice-President; Miss Ethel Cole, Secretary; and Mrs. Ethel 
Andrews, Treasurer. 

Tea was poured by Mrs. Julia Norman of Annapolis and Mrs. 
William Crisp of Brooklyn, allowing all to enjoy the artistic home of 
our hostess. Mrs. Delma Linthicum and Mr. F. C. Stoll entertained 
with several vocal selections. Our entire group sang "Alma Mater." 
(Mr. Purdum said we sang really well.) 

We trust that there will be a close relationship effected between 
Anne Arundel Alumni and their Alma Mater, and that we may assist in 
the upkeep of a possible alumni lodge. 

The spirit of Anne Arundel is really alive. May its life be reflected 
in its activities for Towson Normal ! 

Ruth Parker Eason. 

24 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Well! Well! Well! 

A FTER a very pleasant Christmas vacation, ye column-editor has 
/~\ set to work with a vengeance — in the shape of loftier Tower 
•*• *-Light staff members — . Humbly ye editor scoured the school 
for news. 

It was called to our attention that a blonde gentleman in the 
Senior Class, well-known by all has received the title, "Politest Young 
Man in School." (Incidentally we agree with the decision.) 

Other awards of titles: "Best Male Dancer" was given finally to 
a county Senior, a frequent visitor in 223. The choice had other close 
contestants — both Seniors too . . . To a truly studious and industrious 
member of the "League of Young Voters" goes "Most Indefatigable 
Worker" . . . "Most Naive Young Lady" is awarded to a dark-eyed 
county miss of the Freshman Class . . . Someone always "bobbing up" 
at your side with a bit of pleasantry (?) is our "Most Sociable Young 
Man." It is claimed, we hear, that he knows personally more young 
ladies of the school than any other male — be he Senior, Junior, or 
another Freshman. 

Extend your heartfelt sympathies to, and by all means be patient 
with any distressed and worried-looking Junior misses, who are 
"skittish" at the thought of student-teaching. Those of you who are 
experienced, be especially kind! 

Imagine his embarrassment! In a platonic discussion of Venice, an 
instructor here was asked point-blank by a voluble young lady of the 
Freshman class whether he had "honey-mooned" in Venice. 

Sadly have the students in the men's room lamanted the departure 
of those ( ! ! !) typewriters. They were so comforting (??) in thier friendly 
(???) chattering (!) companionship. 

We have been requested by mumerous young ladies to give a vote 
of thanks and appreciation to the conscientious pianist who appears 
rather regularly in 223, office hours from 12:45 to 1:10; everyone is 
invited. 

Inquiry department: 

What Freshman miss (rather popular, we hear) has the nick-name 
of a famous juvenile radio-character? "Hey! It's !" 

Whom do some Senior misses address as "Billy-bunch"? 

Who, when in a good humor, gives an impromptu tap dance in a 
room on the second floor, on Monday afternoons (after "conference")? 

What member of the Senior Class is the basketball statistician? 

Whose car stalled on the way home after the performance of 
"Aida"? (What did papa say?) What knight of the Senior Class rescued 
these same damsels in distress? 

25 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Who sold the most candy at the opera performance? Who was our 
most suave usher? 

How many Normal School students attended the opera? What 
diminutive member of the Freshman Class was in the chorus of "Aida"? 

Who began the craze for exhibit material? 

One emotional violinist has taken a sudden interest in percussion 
instruments, but as yet has little acquaintance with this branch of the 
orchestra. Strike up an acquaintance, Mr. First Violinist! 

What Junior Miss has been awarded, rather, has well-earned the 
title, "Sweetheart of Senior 3"? Look to the lee-ward! This same 
young lady has stimulated or improved the rhythm of one Senior 3 
poet's heart. 

One of our talented Senior musicians is twanging the heart-strings 
of a number of Junior music-appreciators. A theme with variations — 
many of them. 

Revelations III; 34-35 

WE find ourselves in the unique position of apologizing for our 
non-appearance in the last issue. Unique in the fact that, as 
far as we can determine, we are the first to encounter such a 
situation. True, previous editors have apologized frequently for the 
appearance of their column, and we would probably have used the 
same line by and by had our conceit not have been so greatly aggravated 
by your evident disappointment ... at this point we were interrupted 
and informed by means of a lengthy psychological analysis of the stu- 
dent body — that the same end was achieved whether or not the column 
appeared, in that it gave the said body an opportunity to air their so- 
called minds thereby producing the same effect — at any rate we still 
apologize. 

We wish to state here and now that the editor has not been trying 
to establish a reputation for subtlety. Honestly, fellow-students, 
they have been typographical errors. 

The former editor of this column reports that it was indeed a reve- 
lation to discover that "music hath lost its charm" as far as "Gus" is 
concerned. He claims first "hand" information to the contrary. Too 
bad he doesn't play a mouth-organ. 

We pause a moment to reflect whether an individual's proficiency, 
even if exhibited behind the closed doors of the billiard room, wouldn't 
travel as far and just as quickly without personal supervision of the 
broadcast. 

We wish that the former editor who compared the ability of cer- 



16 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



tain soccer players on the field with their ability on the dance-floor 
could but witness those same players on any night in the Newell Hall 
Foyer. 

News Flash! Benhow and Brumbaugh discovered apparently 
awake — and both on the same day! 

"Swass" has a cousin, 
A pretty cousin she, 
But we know different 
See? 
Alas and alack to the Towson Nurseries. Our own Glen is becom- 
ing a haven of paradise, and soon we shall have trees and benches all our 
own and of course, the inevitable Johnson — waiting we suppose for the 
time when the trees will assume a concealing nature and making sure 
that he'll have a place. 

Meigs, beware! The "tenor" of things is changing. You have a 
rival. We promised not to disclose his name but his initials are Izzy 
Cohen. 

TO ISADORE 
Look thou into the scriptures and see what fate 
Is therein prescribed for thee 
Oh measly manager! who with sinful glee 
Doth injury to his own team mate. 
Operatically speaking: 

Here is one occasion where we cannot justify the combining of the 
eye and ear image to make for greater clarity. 

We heard it mentioned that "Aida" possessed plenty of volume. 
Here we agree. 

And it served to bring out the merchandising talents of some of our 
girls — which was quite deflating to Mr. Walthers, we hear. 

But our "freshman poet" at least withstood the saleswomanship — 
that is, till the end of the second act. 

Play your mournful tunes, O, Muses! 
Cant your gloomy elegies, ye bards! 
Our Lerner bought candy and walked home that night. 
We wonder who would loudest proclaim were we to advocate com- 
plete segregation of the classes. We can hear murmuring from John 
Wheeler and — Oh well! it really is a secret. 

We suggest that the accompanist of the Glee Club confine his ac- 
companying to the Glee Club. 

Mutterings from returned student teachers: 
I lost his respect — I couldn't tie his tie. 

She said I was a gem — a jewel in the rough — in fact, she said I was 
mediocre. (With apologies to Jimmy Durante.) 

27 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Signs of the times; (Dec. 1) 

— And I do need a new watch band! 

It's only a whisper as yet. We are speaking of J. O. and P. C, of 
course. But we are willing to bet that this copy will not reach Dundalk. 

Etiquette has become the by-word of the Freshman Class — in spite 
of the original pronunciation imposed upon it by our class president. 

Who says the freshmen aren't holding up the romantic morale of 
the school? Two of its strongest supporters are Francis Jones and Mr. 
Jaffa. 

It has been observed in the -cafeteria that a certain freshman sec- 
tion has appropriated a certain table, and promptly puts to route any- 
one who attempts to take it. 

We are quite convinced that the time has come to apologize for 
the presence of our column — we apologize. 



Faculty Notes 



ONE day not long ago Miss Weyforth entered the faculty room, 
selected a coat, and put it on. Miss Neunsinger watched the 
proceedings with polite wonderment. When Miss Weyforth 
started to leave, however, Miss Neunsinger thought the performance 
was being carried too far, for the coat was hers. We hope Santa Claus 
brought Miss Weyforth one of her own for Christmas. 

Overheard in the faculty dining room: Miss Treut — "Do you know 
where the crest of the Potomac flood is now?' ' Miss Crabtree — ' 'Whose 
book is that?" 

When Miss Munn is not teaching or trying to corral material for 
the Tower Light, we understand that she takes care of babies in 
Hutzler's rest room. 

Miss Giles and Miss Treut were seen cutting figures (suit yourself) 
at an ice rink recently. Miss Tansil, Miss Gilbert and Miss Blood as 
yet are making only more or less straight lines. 

Florida seemed to have a great attraction for the faculty at Christ- 
mas. Miss Medwedeff started the exodus, and was followed by Miss 
Stitzel, Miss Holt, Miss Dowell and Miss Munn. 

We understand that some of the Freshmen characterize one of the 
male members of the faculty as "cute." 

Miss Van Bibber attended the Middle States History Association 
meetings at Atlantic City during the Thanksgiving vacation. She is 
secretary of the organization. 

28 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The meetings of the National Council of Geography Teachers were 
held in Philadelphia during the Christmas holidays. Miss Blood at- 
tended. 

Miss Yoder recently gave a talk at a Parent Teachers Association 
meeting. 

Do You Know: 

That many of the graduates of this institution have joined the 
Public School Teachers Association Chorus? 

That some members of our faculty are still riding horses? Let us 
hope the "status keeps being quo." 

That Bill Gonce has been doing some delicate cabinet work and 
leather tooling? 

That many of our instructors have sayings which have become 
almost classic? Examples follow: 

Dr. Tall: "So I challenge you to . . ." 

Miss Jones: "All the new is not good, and all the old is not bad." 

Miss Scarborough: "That is a moot question." 

Miss Steele: "And all that, and all that." 

Miss Steele: "What level of learning?" 

Mr. Minnegan: "Quite, please!" 

Miss Rutledge: "Not by any manner of means." 

Miss Birdsong: "You all . . ." 

Miss Keyes: "I think so." 

Miss Weyforth: "Now, students ..." 

Miss Hopkins, the teacher, was trying to explain to the fifth grade 
just what an island is. She filled a basin with water and put a pile of 
dirt in the middle, thus showing that an island is a piece of land sur- 
rounded by water. 

"Now, Tommy," she said, "what is an island?" 

"An island is a hunk of dirt in the wash basin," replied Tommy. 

Teacher: "Really, Betty, your handwriting is terrible. You must 
learn to write better." 

Betty: "Well, if I did, you'd be finding fault with my spelling." 

Teddy: "Where does the water that we wash with come from? 

Daddy: "From the lake." 

Teddy: "Which part of the lake is hot?" 

29 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



"Spider Woman" 



SPIDER WOMAN" by Gladys A. Reichard is an intensively inter- 
esting, authentic depiction of Indian life in the Navajo tribe. The 
author gives a clear insight into both the lives and the mental 
attitudes of the people. 

The practical aspects of their daily life are vividly portrayed. The 
reader is given an entrancing picture of their peculiar homes. Their ex- 
treme skill in the complicated processes of dyeing and weaving colorful 
rugs is displayed to him. Their simple and vigorous mode of living 
delights him. He laughs heartily at the Indian men's ignoring of their 
mother-in-laws. To him their family relations are made distinct. 
These are just a few of the practical, every day incidents. 

Even more exciting than these facts are their attitudes and religious 
beliefs. They have deeply inbred, radical superstitions concerning 
omens. Their marriage ceremonials are quaint and distinctive. Their 
faith in the healing power of a song is unwavering. Another solemn 
feature of tribal life is their queer, formal rite of purification. 

This book is unquestionably effective in instilling within the 
reader a knowledge of respect for, and a sympathetic understanding of 
the modern aborigines. 

Aldona Sinush, Freshman III. 



€^JSL-£ra 



LaFarge, Oliver, Laughing Boy 

The theme of the book is to portray the philosophy and religion 
of the Navajo Indians and the evil influence of their contact with white 
man's civilization. 

Laughing Boy transports the reader into a strange, foreign civiliza- 
tion and gives him a keen insight into the moods and customs of the 
Navajos. The language of the book is characterized by a certain crisp- 
ness which seems to accent the Indian theme. There is something in 
the sustained crescendo of the last few chapters that leaves with the 
reader a sense of sorrow and beauty. 

The author, obviously, has an intimate familiarity with the char- 
acters and customs of the people about whom he writes and infuses a 
resentment toward the intrusion of the white man among the imagina- 
tive and skillful Navajos. 

Margery Willis, Special Senior. 

30 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



King of All 



SILENTLY he wings his graceful way through the azure sky — this 
eagle, king of all. Gliding, glancing, eyes truly dancing in three- 
four time, he surveys his dominion. Not a ruffle in his glistening 
feathers is seen as they sparkle in the sun, making a darkening blot in 
the path of the sun's rays. As rhythmically as the count of a concert 
conductor or the steady beat of the sea on the side of a steep cliff, his 
majestic wings carry him over a velvet smooth course. So even is his 
flight that indeed he appears not to have moved as he rides the summer 
breeze. His mighty wings spread motionless; he hangs as if on some 
unseen star in the sky. 

At last, the spell is broken, and, with a shrill cry and rush of wings, 
he swoops to earth to overpower some lesser thing. 

F. F. 



Sleeping Souls 



HE sat snoozing. Hands clasped on lap, hat covering face, and 
chair tilted, he was utterly unconcerned with things about him. 
Short wheezing whistles quivered through his lips at regular 
intervals, while his stomach and chest vainly attempted to burst his 
tight vest as they rose and fell with each breath. A full-stomached cat 
lay curled up at his feet. The similarity in attitudes and belly-baskets 
of both man and beast suggested some "little" kinship. With each 
extraordinarily loud snore, the cat would prick up its ears and lift its 
head, but since nothing further happened, upraised head and ears grad- 
ually, and with effortless movement, slid back into place. It appeared 
that a miracle was happening; so frail a chair could hardly hold so 
ponderous a man. And with it tilting as it was, it seemed that the 
sleeping individual on the chair would tumble to the floor on splinters 
of wood. The puny supporter seemed tired too, were not its legs stag- 
gering and bending under a severe weight? Truly, it was almost im- 
possible to say which would burst first, man or chair. 

Max Berzofsky, Freshman IV. 



31 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Normal School Sportlight 

BASKETBALL has arrived and the team is now in full swing for a 
I successful season against first class opponents. This opposition 
includes American University, Loyola College, Wilson Teachers, 
Gallaudet, and others. 

Drill, drill, and drill has been the keyword since the two defeats 
by Catholic University and Elizabethtown. Victory against Catholic 
University was of course not expected, for this college represents one 
of the strongest quintets in the East. The contest with Elizabethtown, 
however, showed that the Normal School squad needed work on fun- 
damentals. 

The latter game was from beginning to end a hard fought one. 
With the opening whistle the State Normal players functioned smoothly 
and ran up a large lead. Elizabethtown could not score. The situation 
was encouraging when, all of a sudden, something went wrong. The 
visiting team lost its coordination and the opposing group pulled up 
to even terms. At half time, the score stood 11 to 9 in Normal's favor. 

In the second half, continued lack of coordination together with 
faulty ball handling enabled Elizabethtown to get a substantial lead. 
This, it must be said, was not accomplished without lucky shooting on 
the part of the home team. 

With a few minutes remaining before the end, the visiting (Normal 
School) team found itself, but there was not time enough left to close 
the gap. The final score read 25 to 22 in favor of Elizabethtown. 

This contest proved that the basketball squad would have to work 
hard. The result, as stated before, has been drill, drill, and drill some 
more. Future games are now being looked forward to. 

Since response to the call for players has been exceedingly great, 
the Normal "Indians" can boast two basketball teams. The first team 
consists of George Rankin and Mel Cole playing guards, Julien Turk 
and Ben Novey, forwards, and Arthur Bennett at center. This group, 
in a practice contest, played the second team and tried out many of its 
plays. A combination consisting of Benbow, Schwanebeck, Smith, 
John Wheeler, Woronka, Nathanson, and Cohen were defeated 30 to 14. 

In conclusion — we invite you most urgently to come out and see 
Coach Don Minnegan's charges play their home games. As an "at- 
traction," we promise you to soon see Josh Wheeler in action. 

Theodore Woronka, Senior III. 



32 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Sports Slants 



ON Wednesday October 31, six teams of girls anxiously awaited 
the whistle that was to start the class hockey games. The first 
game between the Senior Second and the Freshman Second teams 
ended in a 1 to 1 tie. Miss Sterback scored for the Seniors and Miss 
Shipley for the Freshies. The next game (Junior One versus Freshman 
Third) ended in favor the Juniors, 2 to 0. Misses Merryman and Muller 
scored. In the last game the Freshmen One team barely beat the Senior 
One team 1 to 0. Miss Scharpf tallied the goal that spelt defeat for the 
Seniors. 

The two victorious teams, Junior One and Freshman One, played 
it off for championship. After battling endlessly for over an hour with 
neither team scoring, the game finally ended to 0. As it can be seen 
from the score, the Freshmen had a very strong team this year and 
played well together because each played in her own position. 

Thus, the hockey season came to a close with no class having the 
honor or privilege of being victorious over all of the other classes. 

BASKETBALL 
Monday, November 26, the girls played the Alumnae in the first 
game this season. Although the Alumnae beat us 21 to 13 it was a very 
good game. The ball was kept in motion from one end of the court to 
the other, no one team having a monopoly of the ball. Considering the 
fact that we have practiced only once together, the team work was 
very good and the signals that were devised at the dinner table worked 
quite well. We are hoping to have another opportunity to play the 
Alumnae after we have had some hard practice together. Perhaps, 
then, we shall reverse the score. 

Fairfax Brooke, Senior II. 

Teacher: "Billy, tell me the number of days in each month." 
Billy: "Thirty days hath September, all the rest I can't remember. 
But there's a calendar on the wall, why bother me with this at all?" 

College Senior: "What would you advise me to read after gradua- 
tion?" 

English Professor: "The Help Wanted Ads." 

33 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



State Normal Cagers Outclassed 

THE State Normal quintet was unable to compete with a short 
passing, fast breaking Catholic University basketball machine, 
which rolled up a score of 53 to 11. The professors' passing and 
general ball handling lacked color and speed; long shots were unsuccess- 
ful. 
First half score: Catholic University 53 

State Normal 4 (result of four successful foul 

shots.) 
The State Normal five displayed better form during the second half. 
Short passes and good ball handling helped the professors outscore 
Catholic University during the third quarter of play: 6 to 2. However, 
the Catholic University machine started again and rolled the final 
score up to 53 to 11. 

Mr. Minnegan and the basketball players honestly feel that it is 
an honor and a great opportunity to play Catholic University, one of 
the best teams in the East. Do not be disappointed by this game; our 
boys played good ball in view of the type of competition offered by 
Catholic University. The State Normal team is rounding into fine form 
for the important games in January. Josh Wheeler's return to the line- 
up will help the ball club considerably. 

I. H. Miller, Manager. 

State Fieldball Championship Game 

Last week a state championship fieldball game between Hagers- 
town, representing the Western Shore, and North Eastern from Eastern 
Shore was played on the Normal School field. Despite the cold and 
snow the game went on and proved to be an interesting one. Hagers- 
town was the deserving winner, carrying off the game with a score of 
18to0. 

After the game the teams were taken on a sight seeing tour of the 
school by some of the students. 

Doris Shipley, Freshman VI. 



34 



It pays to stop at the 

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511 York Road Opposite Motion Picture Theatre 

Apparel of want? for tb.r Unman Ulio (Earea 

The Uptown Store with the Downtown Prices 



You Will Enjoy Our 

SUNDAES and SODAS 

Arundel 

Ice Cream Shoppe 

420 York Road Towson, Md. 

We Deliver at Any Time 

Just Phone Towson 73 



Run right to 

READS 



503-5 York Road 



- - Towson 



HORN'S 
SUPREME ICE CREAM 

Good All Ways-ALWAYS 
MICROSCOPES 

ALL TYPES AND SIZES 

For Elementary or Advanced Research 

A/50 Remodeling and Repairing 

ALLAN UHLER 
Optical Works 

200 East 22nd Street Chesapeake 0655 

Compliments 

of 

Maryland Restaurant 



EUwarJ E. Burns M. Frank Burns 

John Burns' Sons 
Funeral Directors 

Towson, Md. 
C. & P. Telephone 205 




TOWSON, MARYLAND 
It's really a horns when it's planted by Towion 

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STEBBINS-ANDERSON 
COAL & LUMBER CO. 

LUMBER, HARDWARE, BUILDERS" 
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Cool, Fuel Oil, Feed 
Towion — Riderwood — Monition 

You will find at Hutzlcr's 

The Smartest of Clothes 

The Fairest of Prices 

The Best of Service 

HUTZLER BROTHERS € 

Baltimore, Md. 



FREDRICS 
PERMANENTS 



TOWSON 1004 
FOR APPOINTMENT 



The Hill ^Beauty Salon 

YORK ROAD AT BURKE AVENUE 

Featuring Zotos Wave 

(No Machinery — No Electricity) 

Most Scientific Methods of Beauty Culture 

SKILLED OPERATORS 



Our Junior Miss and Young Fellows' 
Shops on the Fourth Floor are foremost 
in style for the collegiate miss and youth. 

TRe a@Q Hub 

" of Charles St." 


Samuel &irfe & ^>on, 3fac. 

Jewelers » Stationers « Silversmiths 
421 North Charles Street 

DIAMONDS » GOLD JEWELRY 

WRIST WATCHES » FINE STATIONERY 

GIFTS IN SILVERWARE 

Founded i8i; 


MASON'S GARAGE & 
SERVICE STATION 

Official AAA Station 
Towson, Md. 
24-Hour Service 


Diamonds Watches Jewelry 

HARRY C. LANGSOOD 

402 York Road, Next to Chesapeake Ave. 
Towson, Md. 

Skilled Watch, Clock, Jewelry, Eye Glass 

and Fountain Pen Repairing 

Diamond Setting 

Birthday Cards Parker Pens Quink 


Compliments 

of 

Hochschild, Kohn & Go. 


LOUISE BEAUTY SHOPPE 

32 York Road 

Smart Distinctive Waves and 
Haircuts at Moderate Prices 

Convenient for Normal School 
Phone: Towson 1022 


JENKINS 

Manufacturer of School 

and College Jewelry 

20 W. Redwood Street 


BEST SOUND 

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Phone 402 York Road 
Towson 411 Towson, Md. 


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thomsenTelu 



THE 



TOWER 
LIGHT 







'M 



FEBRUARY, 1935 




CONTENTS 

PAGE 

The Prayer of George Washington 3 

An International Racket . . 4 

From Your Valentine 6 

Teacher 8 

Faculty Interview . 11 

Germs! 13 

Living Authors 16 

Psychology and Reading Detective Stories .... 17 

America's Folk Songs in the Making 18 

Editorials 21 

The Castaway 22 

"Pop-corn Charlie" 24 

Glee Club Notes 28 

School News 30 

Faculty Notes 34 

Assemblies 35 

Alumni News 36 

Revelations 37 

Sport Slants 38 



The Tower Light 



Vol. VIII FEBRUARY, 1935 No. 5 



The Prayer of George Washington 

Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City 

A LMIGHTY GOD, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep 
AA the United States in Thy holy protection. 
-* *-That Thou wilt incline the heart of the citizens to cultivate a 
spirit of subordination and obedience to government; to entertain a 
brotherly affection and love for one another, and for their fellow citi- 
zens of the United States at large, and finally that Thou wilt most gra- 
ciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to 
demean ourselves with that charity, humility and pacific temper of 
mind, which were the characteristics of the divine Author of our 
blessed religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example 
in these things, we can never hope to be a happy nation. 

Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, Through Jesus Christ, our 
Lord." 

Amen. 

Note. — Copied by Dr. Anna S. Abercrombie in the cathedral expressly for February 
issue of our Tower Light. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



An International Racket 

A summary of Senator Nye's address delivered 
recently at the Southern Hotel. 

THE sale of munitions is an international racket. The munition 
industry recognizes no flag; munition manufacturers will will- 
ingly sell to the enemies of their own country. The munition 
racketeers like best that flag under which they can gain the greatest 
profit for war preparation. The munition makers profit from wholesale 
"legalized murder" without question or interference. These interna- 
tional racketeers divide the territory and share profits in time of war. 
Profits — profits the racketeers made profits ranging from 25% to 
39,000%. Yes, the Dupont Organization made a profit of 39,000% on a 
meager capital investment of $5,000 in 1917. These racketeers will 
take no part in a war unless they can make profit. The American muni- 
tion manufacturers appropriate large sums of money annually for lob- 
bies and bribes in order to secure legislation favorable to their enter- 
prise. 

Our attention is drawn to this profitable international enterprise 
in a period when more money is being spent for the machinery or war 
than ever before. Budgets are not balanced; yet preparation for war 
continues. United States leads the pack of nations. Japan and the 
U.S. are now engaged in the greatest naval race ever conceived in his- 
tory. However, President Roosevelt sees no danger of a naval war 
between our country and Japan. In Japan, the cry is "Look out for 
U.S.!" In U.S., the cry is "Look out for Japan!" The naval race is on! 
No one can predict when this mad race will end. Meanwhile, a burden 
of taxation is placed on the back of each nation. President Roosevelt 
advocates a larger navy; Japan must keep up with the U.S. As this race 
continues, the munition makers, shipbuilders, and drydock organiza- 
tions reap large profits. 

Are the munition makers patriots? How did they help our country 
during the war? The government asked the Duponts to build a huge 
powder factory in 1917. The government's money was to be used to 
build the necessary plant. Three months of quibbling followed as to 
what profit Dupont would make for building and operating the plant. 
Men going to war did not demand to know how much money they 
would receive before fighting! But, Felix Dupont asked the govern- 
ment to guarantee no less than 10% profit on the construction of the 
plant and 15% on the operation of the plant before complying with the 
government's request. This three month period spent in quibbling 
was the most critical period during the war. It was surely an "un- 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



pleasant mess"; but Felix Dupont followed the principle of all the 
munition racketeers: "We are not going to 'play ball* unless we make 
profit." 

While young men were earning a dollar a day during the war, the 
Duponts made a profit of $5,000 (simple arithmetic — approximately 
$1336 a day for a period of four years). When questioned about this 
profit, Dupont replied, "We earned our profit; we rendered a great 
service to the allies." Today, the U.S. might be a German colony if it 
were not for the Duponts. Yet the Duponts would gladly sell muni- 
tions to Germany if it were profitable. Today, the Duponts are even 
more prosperous than during the war. Why? The large profit gained 
during the war was invested in other stocks, such as General Motors. 
Thereby, the Duponts receive a reliable steady income and have actu- 
ally established an industrial empire in our country. 

How do these munition makers prolong the life of the racket? 
They build up fears and suspicions. They do everything in their power 
to prolong the difficulties, which create markets for their products. 
The U.S. claims the maintenance of a policy of neutrality in the Gran 
Chaco, yet American made bullets are being used by both sides. 

One of the munition manufacturers said to the investigating com- 
mittee: "We are in a hell of a business, where people have to be in 
trouble before we can make money; but if we do not get the business, 
others will." He pondered a bit and added, "Wouldn't it be a terrible 
thing if my conscience began to hurt me?" 

The U.S. is a partner in this racket. Peru asked the U.S. govern- 
ment for assistance in strengthening her national defense. Our govern- 
ment sent military advisers who suggested submarines and destroyers 
as an addition to the Peruvian war establishment. Peru followed the 
suggestions. More business for the munition makers and shipbuilders. 
It did not take Peru long to go on parade with these new submarines 
and destroyers. Colombia opened her eyes and realized that her defense 
was inadequate. Surely, the poor munition makers could not have had 
anything to do with Colombia's thoughts! Where could Colombia go 
for aid? The U.S. had the reputation of being a "big brother" to the 
South American countries. United States naval experts were sent to 
Colombia; they suggested submarines and destroyers. Colombia fol- 
lowed these recommendations. More munition sales. Thus, the muni- 
tion racketeers arm the world against itself. Similar partnerships exist 
between England and her munition makers, between France and her 
munition makers, and in other nations. 

End the racket — at least America's part in it! President Roosevelt 
admits this is the time to take the profit out of war. There is no need 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



for long legislatures and red tape. Senator Nye's suggestion to take the 
profit out of war is as follows : Upon the declaration of war, double the 
peace time tax rate on incomes up to $15,000 and place a tax rate of 
98 or 99% on all incomes over $15,000. Moreover, we must take the 
profit out of the preparation for war. In order to do so, the United 
States must control and regulate the manufacture of munitions and all 
types of war machinery. 

Senator Nye stressed the importance of further investigations of 
wartime profit in the shipbuilding, steel and banking establishments. 
On December 26, President Roosevelt promised to secure additional 
funds for the Nye Committee. Now, the committee is investigating 
the nefarious activities of the steel, shipbuilding, and banking estab- 
lishments during the last war. Results of the investigations will be 
made known to the public at a future date. 

I. H. Miller, Senior III. 



From Your Valentine 

FEBRUARY the fourteenth, Cupid's day. Who started it? What 
is it for? Why is there any Valentine's day at all? 
The beginnings of the "sweetheart" holiday are very obscure; 
many authorities claim that Saint Valentine had nothing at all to do 
with it, but we'll refrain from that unromantic thought as mere critics 
melancholic. Let us rather quote from Mistress Diana Mason's intro- 
duction to Kermish's Manual for 1797: 

' 'I have by me a very old book which has the following account of 
Valentine being confined at Rome on account of his religion, and com- 
mitted to the care of a man whose daughter was blind, whom Valentine 
restored to sight, and from that time the girl became enamored of him, 
nor did he treat her affection with contempt. But after long imprison- 
ment he was ordered for public execution on the fourteenth of Febru- 
ary. While in prison, being deprived of books, he used to amuse him- 
self with cutting curious devices on paper, on one of which he wrote 
some pious exhortations and assurances of love, and sent to the keeper's 
daughter the morning of the execution and being concluded in the words 
"Your Valentine." There is great reason for supposing that to be the 
origin of the present custom." 

An orchid to you, Mistress Mason, King Cupid is proud of you! A 
very romantic thought and we'll stick by you. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



"Haste from my lattice, letter, fly! 
Tell the fond youth for him, I sigh 
Zephyrs bring me back the tender kiss 
Of constancy — of hope* — of bliss." 

This is a heart stimulant of great-grandmother's days, and grand 
days they certainly were! On Saint Valentine's day a group of starched, 
passionate Romeos and ruffled, exotic Juliets would assemble. All the 
Juliets' names would be placed in a box — and each "Romeo" would 
draw one out. And lo! the damsel whose name fell to his lot became 
his Valentine for the year. He wore her name in his bosom or on his 
sleeve, and it was his duty to attend her and protect her and maybe — 
marry her. 

"You're dumb and you're dumpy 

You always look frumpy 

With pencils corked over both ears 

With your disposition 

You have my permission 

To stay a schoolmarm for years." 

Ultra-modernism, realism, impressionism — call it what you will, 
but without a doubt the good old sentimental valentine has gone out 
with the hooped skirt. Today, Valentine's Day has become saturated 
with that unsavory flavor of our mechanized age — brazen, cold, hard, 
bare, deceiving. 

No longer are those delicate embarrassments called valentines a 
fairy's handiwork. To be sure, a dreamy artist may have designed them, 
but a lithographer, with inky fingers, printed the picture part of them; 
a die-cutter, with sleeves rolled up, made a pattern in steel of the lace- 
work on the edge; and a dingy-looking pressman, wearing a paper hat, 
stamped the pattern around the picture. Another hard-handed work- 
man rubbed the back of the stamped lace with sand-paper till it came 
in holes and looked like lace, not merely like stamped paper; and a row 
of girls at a common, long table put on the colors with stencils, gummed 
on the hearts and darts and Cupids and flowers, and otherwise finished 
the thing exactly like the pattern before them. 

A cold, naked Valentine's Day; a mechanized love — is there such 
a thing? Certainly not! Those riveted heart beats are but outward ap- 
pearances — mere artificialities. Deep down inside, below those squeaky 
hinges, there lies the real heart — the Valentine heart. There King 
Cupid shall always reign. Maybe he has changed his robes a bit; maybe 
he looks a little different. Whether sentimental or foolish — he still 
rules. 

Sid Tepper. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Teacher 

At two-thirty, 3B 2 swarmed joyously to the gymnasium. Now 
/A when Miss Drew had had the third grade, the children had 
-*- ^-marched two by two to the lofty room and had performed exer- 
cises to the time of "1-2-3-4, up-down, across-bend." Why Miss Ella 
Drew had left, no one in 3B 2 knew, nor cared. They had Miss June 
Whiteford now. She was some teacher — young — full of fun — yellow 
curly hair! 

Miss June started the victrola and the children stood still, awaiting 
directions. The music was unfamiliar, a light, joyous lilt, quite unlike 
anything they had exercised to before. One little girl impulsively did 
a hop-skip motion, and Miss June looked pleased and eagerly nodded 
"That's it. Skip, if it makes you want to." Whereupon all of 3B 2 
cavorted about on joyous toes. That is, all save Michael Klinger. 
He made a half-hearted attempt, and then retreated warily toward a 
corner where he wouldn't be conspiciuous and in the way. The new 
teacher spied the solitary figure in the corner and went over to him. 

"What's the matter? Don't you want to skip?" 

Michael looked straight ahead, blinking. "I can't." 

"O, yes you can, if you try!" 

"I can't." 

The new teacher swooped down, seized a hand and pulled him off 
with her to the music. Michael was skipping, his skinny little legs 
flew grotesquely in the air, his glasses bobbed on his nose, and his face 
grew red. But it was none the less a dance of joy. The children laughed 
at him of course, but Miss June said out loud so they could all hear, 
"I like the way Michael skips, because he lifts his feet so high from the 
floor." And she smiled, and squeezed his hand. Michael had never 
felt so happy. 

As usual, he trudged along at the rear of the group going back to 
the room. Miss Morrison and Miss Swartz who were on hall duty ex- 
changed the customary winks as he trailed by, for his incongruous 
appearance had long been a source of much mirth. But Micahel's woe- 
be-gone appearance concealed a dancing spirit. Inwardly he was over- 
come with emotion, a mixture of surprise, gratitude and joy. It gave 
him a warm little feeling he could hug. She had smiled at him as 
though she liked him! She didn't laugh at him! 

That night, shut in his room he laboriously practiced flinging his 
legs about and hopping. No doubt Miss Swartz and Miss Morrison 
would have doubled up with laughter could they have seen his frantic 
efforts. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Even his father could see he was changed. Michael smiled, jumped 
about, and stood more erect nowadays. Because they had only each 
other, these two shared a common bond of understanding, that needed 
no words. But this new Michael, with a great zest for life, with an 
almost normal boyishness was something the father didn't understand. 
It hurt him a little, not understanding, but he characteristically never 
mentioned it. He worked all the harder at his machine shop by day, 
and at night, shut himself away in his room and painted at the easel 
until it was quite late, for an artist he believed himself to be. 

As for Michael, in his joy of worshipping Miss June, he was a wee 
bit troubled. He had always adored his father fiercely, possessively, 
beyond all else, and now he had two idols. If he loved them both so 
temendously, why the only thing to do was to bring them together, 
for naturally they should, correspondingly, love each other. That 
would reconcile his loyalties. That was the end to which he planned — 
bringing them together. 

He brought Miss June pretty shells and flowers pilfered from Aunt 
Julia's garden. But his greatest tribute was the picture his father had 
painted entitled "Portrait of Myself." Michael had found it in a waste- 
basket, and cherished it secretly for a long time. He laid it, carefully 
wrapped on Miss June's desk Monday afternoon. He thrilled all night 
with the excitement of giving her his treasure. Tuesday morning he 
noticed Miss June staring at him quite frequently. Joy stirred within 
him, for he knew she had seen the picture, and seeing it, had loved it 
as he did. The realization made him quite giddy, for the time was 
ripe — they should be brought together. 

That day at lunch Michael asked his father to go back to school 
with him and see the teacher about something. 

"About what?" asked his parent. 

"About something special. Please, Daddy!" 

Mr. Klinger put down his cup to stare at his son. 

"Take your Aunt Julia. She's not afraid of em, if you're failing 
again." 

"It isn't that; it's special. Please Daddy!" Now in tears. 

So they both went, Daddy and Michael. In the building, Michael 
felt alternately quite bold, then very shy, but he was so tremulously 
happy that he wasn't afraid. He could hear the voices of other teachers 
in the room, so he made his father wait, so there would be no outsiders 
present, when his two gods met. The voices became loud, clashing in 
raucous laughter. He would wait. His eyes shone, and he quivered 
all over. He distinguished the voices of Miss Morrison and Miss 
Swartz in a burst of mirth. Then Miss June's voice rose above theirs'. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



' 'And now for the crowning touch let me show you the picture the 
little brat brought me. It must be his father — the same ears and nose, 
look, 'Self Portrait'!" 

"Look!" More shrieks of laughter . 

The discord of their voices smote the air; it broke the quietness 
of the halls; it shattered the peace of the world outside the open win- 
dows. But it did more than that to a little boy who had heard it. 



M. Douglas, Senior Sp. 



GdJ&^S'b 



"My Father: Mark Twain" 

Clara Clemens Gabrilowitch 

WHO was the man who thought, as a child, that the finest thing 
in life would be to travel up and down the Mississippi River, 
whose fame swept him around the world, whose personality 
was so compelling that he stood out brilliantly at any gathering, whose 
keen wit andperception made his one of the brightest names in Ameri- 
can letters? This was Mark Twain. 

Mark Twain was indeed a remarkable person. Not only was he a 
dearly-loved writer, but his daughter, in her intensely interesting 
account of his private life, calls him an adoring husband, and a fond 
and devoted father. His great literary powers in the world of imagina- 
tion, his desire to be a close companion to three young daughters, and 
his rare disposition of sunshine and humor — these make the Mark 
Twain whose books children all over the world love to read. 

The reader is given a glimpse of the beautiful, stately home in 
Connecticut, the birthplace of the three Clemens girls. He sees the 
results of a financial collapse in which Mark Twain loses all his care- 
fully-saved money. He watches the family aboard a steamer bound for 
Europe, where living is cheaper. Then last of all, triumphant and 
happy, he travels with the family around the world, and is present 
at the conferring of Mark Twain's degree at Oxford. 

Clara Clemens Gabrilowitch has indeed written a very enjoyable 
book, and the reader's only wish when he finishes is, that he might 
have met and known this Mark Twain. 

Sarah Strumsky, Freshman III. 
10 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Faculty Interview 



Across the continent and back in three generations — the story of Miss Hazel 
Lucretia Jones, Ph.B; M.A. — instructor in Reading at the M.S.N.S. 

THE roots, originating in England, Ireland, and Wales, found their 
focal point at Clear Lake, Iowa, after traversing Pennsylvania, 
Michigan, and other points west. And here we pause to empha- 
size the fact that Clear Lake is an extremely well known summer resort 
("well, in Iowa at least") and is situated on one of the finest lakes in 
the West. 

We had hoped to discover her school-girl days swathed in an at- 
mosphere of pioneer life but were utterly disappointed. Miss Jones 
attended an urban elementary school much farther advanced than those 
attended by some of her later pupils in the East. After graduating from 
high school, Miss Jones, following a definite desire to become a teacher, 
spent the next two years at the Iowa State Teacher's College at Cedar 
Falls, Iowa, receiving there her teacher's diploma. 

Her first teaching experiences were acquired in a one room rural 
school of eight grades, located in South Dakota. To and from this 
school she came and went on the back of a horse — now whether it was 
the species or the individual that was misunderstood we don't know 
but at any rate, the horse was daily fastened by some means or other 
to the steps leading into the school. One evening, with no regard for 
the young lady who was endeavoring mightily to place a saddle on his 
back, he began to run, taking the steps with him, leaving the said 
young lady in a very bewildering and we might add embarrassing posi- 
tion (she neglected to say whether she was standing on the steps at the 
time or not but it pleases our imagination to believe that she was) thus 
the "embarrassing." But this time "Young Lochinvar" came out of 
the West dragging the horse and steps behind him. 

Several years were spent teaching in the elementary schools in 
South Dakota and intervening periods in lecturing at Teacher's Insti- 
tutes throughout the State. 

It was from Dakota that Miss Jones went to the University of 
Chicago — there getting her degree of Bachelor of Philosophy, a notable 
achievement — but second only to her appearance with the Chicago 
Civic Opera Company with Chaliapin but as a fill in — much the same 
as our students here at school were permitted to do in the "case" of 
Aida. 

After receiving her Bachelor's degree Miss Jones was offered a 
position as a training teacher at Western State Teachers College in 

11 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Kalamazoo, Michigan. After a few years there she went on to Colum- 
bia and her Master's degree and from Columbia to M.S.N.S. as instruc- 
tor in "Reading." 

Her chief form of recreation is travel and has been indulged in very 
extensively throughout these U.S. and part of Mexico. Her enjoyment 
of life is supplemented with an indulgence in bridge, the theatre, and 
knitting. 

Her ambitions — few — but worthy. Two might better be expressed 
as professional desires : to see our institutes of higher learning accept 
the standards of the progressive elementary school — to see the college 
classroom become a place where ideas are exchanged more freely be- 
tween students and the instructor, in conferences and small gatherings 
with less of the lecture type predominating; and secondly, to see the 
teaching profession attain the status of the medical profession, en- 
couraging more students to enter the educational research field. She 
wishes, too, that each prospective teacher might serve a period of 
interneship of one of more years — according to his needs as a means of 
determining his fitness for the profession rather than by the examina- 
tion method of today. 

And as for the ambition she terms unprofessional — to travel and 
experience visually history, art, social customs, etc., which she now 
has access to only vicariously — we express our hope that in the near 
future Hazel Jones of Clear Lake, Iowa and points West, will be found 
wandering about England, Ireland, and last, Wales— the source of 
many Joneses. 

Gene Benbow. 



^sssjsa-^sa 



A Call to Arms ! 

The cost a mere nothing, 

Or at most very slight. 

This on the evening 

Of March's first night. 

The music so throbbing, so sweet and so low, 

The lights almost shadows — in their soft glow, 

The faculty engrossed in their cards — perchance? 

The Tower Light announcing its Benefit Dance! 

12 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Germs ! 

THREE months!! How the time has flown! It seems as though it 
were but yesterday when I first walked the mile and a half from 
the station to the isolated State Sanatorium for Tubercular Chil- 
dren. How barren and desolate everything looked . . . and how little 
the atmosphere of the place tended to lessen my morbid fear of being 
alone in a large building! Even now I shudder to think that tonight 
is to be my first on the night shift . . . the "dead watch" as the other 
nurses call it. I am led to believe that it is so named because the place 
takes on the quiet of the grave when you go on duty, for then the 
children have all been asleep for at least an hour. The only thing left 
for one to do is work on one's charts from 8 o'clock, until they are 
completed, about 11 o'clock. After that it's the unending monotony 
of waiting for a ring from the bedside of one of the children ... a ring 
that you can be sure will never come, for the children seldom awake 
during the night. How I shall bear the long hours until I am relieved, 
I don't know. Just now my heart sank with foreboding. Something is 
going to happen. I can sense it. I shan't be able to sleep all day. My 
terror won't let me. 

From my swivel chair at the night desk I can clearly hear the clock 
in the little town about two miles away strike midnight. My charts 
have all been carefully checked and filed away for over an hour. In the 
past sixty minutes I have lived a thousand nightmares and suffered 
more than the tortures of the damned. I think I shall go mad if some- 
thing doesn't happen to relieve this unbearable agony. My eyes ache 
from following the hands of the desk clock as they wend their tedious 
path around the dial. I keep hearing things . . . strange noises . . . 
creepy sounds ... It sounds like . . . Great Heavens! What was that? 
The door to the reception hall? I can swear I locked it. It opened and 
closed. I know it. Something is in this building. What . . . who . . . 
who ... is coming up the stairs?!! God! If only I could move or scream. 
I am fastened to this chair as though I were bolted. My tongue is a 

?iece of lead in my mouth. Will those steps never end? Dear Lord! 
here IT is. He is approaching the desk now. I can do no more than 
sit here, frozen, held by his eyes that burn through and through me as 
though they were two live coals. His right hand is in his pocket and 
I can sense more than see, the revolver he has concealed there. His face 
is whiter than the wall at his back. He is trying to speak. His lips, a 
sharp bluish-purple gash in his face, are moving spasmodically, as 
though he were trying to speak, but the only thing that issues from 
them is a sound like that made by dry leaves crushed between the palms 
of the hands. Finally, I can distinguish words. 

13 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



"Y' do like I tells ya 'n' nuttin's gonna happen. Get me? All yer 
gotta do is take me to where dere's some "snow." I'll do all de rest." 

In my efforts to answer, the words hide themselves in my throat 
and I can only make weird, little, inarticulate noises. Somehow I can 
manage to get up out of the chair, but only with the full expectation 
of having my knees buckle under me. My heart is beating so slowly 
and painfully. I can almost feel his foul breath on my neck as I start 
down the hall to the "dope chest." Not a sound do we make as we 
go down the hall. Now we stop in front of the dispensary which is 
always kept locked and under the care of the nurse in charge. The 
fiend is directly at my shoulder now, and I can hear him begin to 
breathe faster at the thought of what is to come. I have already in- 
serted the key in the lock and turned it. There comes a slight click as 
I turn the knob. Strangely, with that click something in my brain 
snapped. It seems that by some queer reaction my absolute fear has 
changed to an intense hatred and revulsion for this thing at my back. 

Thoughts race through my now active brain. Ah! The "germ 
chest"! Just the thing. I know it is desperate. I know that I may 
destroy myself as well as the "cokie." What of it? If I succeed, I shall 
have succeeded in conquering myself. 

To swing the door back and locate the light switch is but the 
work of a moment. Now I must force myself to go over to the metal 
cabinet that we call the "Germ Chest," for in it are contained the vari- 
ous strains of germs, or bacilli, that we use for testing, experimenting, 
etc. The "cokie" thinks I'm going to the "dope chest." Well, he's 
in for a little surprise. He has fallen back a few steps, confident that 
he is now at his goal. If only I have nerve enough to carry on. 

I reach in the cabinet, select a strain of bacilli, pull the stopper out 
quickly and place my thumb over the opening. He can't see what I'm 
doing because I'm hiding my actions with my body. 

Turning on him swiftly, I am before him in two steps. I shake the 
bottle under his very eyes. 

"Do you see this bottle? Well it contains several billion tuberculosis 
germs.'!.' Read the label! Go on, read it! See what it says? It says 
tubercular bacilli. That means germs from tubercular people. If I take 
my thumb off the mouth of this bottle and let you have the contents in 
your face . . . you'll be dead in a week! Now ... do you know what 
you are going to do? You are going to hand me your gun, turn around, 
and march yourself down the hall to my desk while I telephone the 
police!" 

All this time I have been shaking the bottle under his nose. 

For a moment I fear that he will make a last desperate effort to get 
to the drugs. His whole body is trembling with desire for the cocaine. 

14 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



However, I think that the full significance of the words is hitting him 
now. Yes, there is a growing look of horror in his eyes. His drug- 
besotted brain has finally taken in the fact that certain death lies in 
my hand. The light is dying out of his eyes and in its place is an ex- 
pression of craven fear. I have won! I come closer and draw my arm 
back as though to toss the stuff in the bottle at his face. 

"Please, please, lady, don' trow dat stuff on me. Here's me gat. 
Call de police. Only don' give me a shot o' de goims. Do anything 
but for God's sake don' trow dem tings in me face. 

Thank Heaven! He is supplicant. If only I can hold out until the 
police get here. But first I must call them. 

"All right. Let's go." 

I motioned down the hall to the desk with its blessed phone. 

"Sit over there, across from me at the desk." 

I have turned the desk lamp on him so that he can see me but 
vaguely, if at all. 



I managed to call the county police, somehow, but Heaven alone 
knows how I managed to survive the half hour or so until they got 
here. I remember faintly trying to rise as they came up the stairs and 
took the dope addict in charge. As I did, my numbed hand refused to 
hold the "deadly" bottle any more. It slipped from my hand and fell 
to the floor and I felt myself "going under." Just before I lost con- 
sciousness, I could hear the poor prisoner screaming as though he were 
dead already. 

"De goims!! Lemme outa here! Lemme go! Dere gettin' me! j 
can feel dem in me lungs! Dere eatin' my lungs out! Oh! Lord! I'm 
gettin* T.B.!" 

Then I knew no more. 

When I came to, perhaps two or three minutes later, I found myself 
stretched out on the floor, a pile of record charts at my feet and back. 
The "dope" was gone. I heard someone addressing me and on looking 
around discovered the sheriff kneeling at my side. 

' 'Say young lady, ' ' he said, ' 'what did that poor guy mean? What's 
he screamin' about? Who is he? One of your crazy patients?" 

"Oh, no, sheriff. We don't attend to insane people here." 

I then told him the whole story. As I concluded I pointed to the 
half empty bottle lying on the floor under the desk. 

"... and that bottle that was supposed to contain T.B. germs only 
had common cold germs in it and the worst he could have secured from 
the contents was a little cold!! 

Herman Miller, I. A., '34. 

15 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Living Authors 



WE usually think of February as the birth month of famous 
people such as Washington and Lincoln. Several of our famous 
living authors are carrying out the idea of the February child 
in literary fields. 

William Rose Benet was born in Fort Hamilton, New York. After 
graduating from Yale, he found a position in the Century office in New 
York. His first two weeks were spent addressing envelopes, but he was 
soon advanced to associate editor. With Henry Seidel Canby and 
Christopher Morely he started the Literary Review of the New York 
Evening Post in 1920, and in 1924, the Saturday Review of Literature, an 
independent weekly, of which he is still the editor. 

His earliest published works are verse, and he has written many 
novels since. None of his books are in our library, but among those 
he has written are: Merchants from Cathay (1912) and Moon of 
Grandeur (1920) both verse, and The Flying King of Kurio (1926) a 
story for children. 

JefFery Farnol was born February 10, 1878 in Warwickshire. He 
was taught at home, and then sent as an apprentice to a brass foundry 
in Birmingham, but was summarily sent home with a note from the 
foreman — "No good for work — always writing." He took a job in his 
father's business, writing short stories on the side — occasionally getting 
one published. 

After marrying, he went to New York, and there, in a rat-infested 
room in Hell's Kitchen he wrote "The Broad Highway," a book full 
of Kentish scenes that he remembered poignantly from his childhood. 
It was turned down time after time, and he was about to burn it, but 
his wife retrieved it and sent it to his mother in England who had it 
published. 

A stream of novels and other books continued to flow from his pen, 
including "An Amateur Gentleman," "Money Moon," "Charmian," 
"Lady Vibart," and "Guyffbrd of Wease," all of which are in our 
library. "The Broad Highway," which we have also, has been tre- 
mendously popular ever since the day of its publication. This popu- 
larity is largely due to the "Englishness" of it. 

Margaret Deland, born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, February 23, 
1857, has colored most of her works with childhood associations for 
her home is the original "Old Chester" of her stories. 

Her aunt, with whom she lived, had to approve everything she 
read — Scott, Hawthorne, Irving, Shakespeare and The Bible formed 
her literary taste. Everything the child wrote was shown to her aunt 
because she wanted to see if her spelling was improving. The Aunt 

16 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



wrote to a friend, "Margaret is very anxious to send some of her pro- 
ductions to a magazine, and if I were perfectly sure they would be 
rejected, I would allow her to do so." Mrs. Deland felt that it was a 
serious mistake to allow a child to suppose that anything it writes is 
to be taken seriously. 

Although she has produced many works, Margaret Deland is not 
a prolific writer. She is slow and painstaking, and makes many revis- 
ions, even after a story is in type, to the dismay of compositors. 

We have two of her books in our library — "New Friends in Old 
Chester" (1920) and the "Iron Woman" (1911). 

Eleanor Schnepfe, Senior V. 

Psychology and Reading Detective Stories 

PSYCHOLOGY has often enlightened humanity with its far-reach- 
ing and ever-increasing gleanings from man's ever bewildering 
conduct. Now that fertile sphere of man's behavior has, with its 
usual perseverance and its usual pithy manner, found the reason for 
one of the most pressing problems of the present era — why great men 
and others like detective stories. 

Mystery tales reach into the deep seated reactions of man and de- 
clare that the psychological reason why great men and others read 
sleuthing tales lies in the surprising fact that these stories are soothing. 
They point out that through experiment they have discovered that 
these stories cut the pulse rate, lower the blood pressure, and steady 
the nerves. The experiments are published by Ray Mars Simpson, 
psychologist at the Institute for Juvenile Research, Chicago. His test 
readers consisted of 40 university students, 21 men and 16 women. The 
ages were 18 to 41. 

Instruments showed that the rate of breathing was consistently 
faster while reading detective stories, and deeper during the reading of 
less exciting man-hunting tales. But — thus speeded up-breathing was 
on a declining rate; the longer they read the slower it dropped. 

Now for further corroboration of this surprising fact, I quote the 
discoverer (of this) himself. "Reading detective stories," Dr. Simpson 
states, "tends to reduce the pulse rate more than academic reading ma- 
terial. The blood pressure falls to practically the same final level at the 
end of fifteen minute periods with either detective stories or geography. 
Motor steadiness is improved more by reading detective stories than 
by reading history. In short, the great majority of detective stories 
are soothing rather than exciting." 

J. H. Turk, Senior III. 

17 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



America's Folk Songs in the Making 

TWO modern Grimms — father and son — trekking through village 
and penitentiary in our own United States, are carrying on the 
traditional researches of the 17th and 18th centuries, and reveal- 
ing curious new slants on the dark corners of the Twentieth Century 
civilization. 

John A. Lomax and his son Alan have been engaged, off and on, 
for twenty-five years in recording American Ballads and Folk Songs. 
Theirs is a notable effort to preserve for posterity the some-day-to-be- 
come-famous folk music of the Early Machine Age. Lounging with 
deck hands and stevedores, or listening to work-driven negroes in 
Louisiana chain gangs — in state prisons of Tennessee or among saddle- 
weary cowboys of Arizona — two men listened and wrote down these 
songs which were born out of deep human emotions, suffering, labor, 
care, and hope. 

Modern science lends its aid to these cultivators of our backwoods 
heritage in the form of aluminum and bakelite records upon which the 
songs are recorded exactly as the untutored singer repeats them. The 
records are filed in the Congressional Library at Washington, D.C. 

Strange facts are occasionally uncovered. Consider the origin of 
the ballad, "Hallelujah, I'm a Bum," a song which a few years ago 
became a favorite. "The song was found scribbled on the wall of a 
Kansas City Jail where an old hobo, known as 'One Finger Ellis' had 
spent the night, recovering from an overdose of rotgut whisky." 

If you would know more about Black Samson and his quaint pro- 
test before the microphone; if you are interested in a movement which 
is daily becoming more widespread; if you enjoy reading splendid prose 
that flows like poetry; then here is a book for you: 

American Ballads and Folk Songs, by John A. Lomax and Alan 
Lomax, N.Y. The Macmillan Company, 1934. 

Charles C. Meigs, Senior III. 



GC*JIS>^5$ 



'Twas the day of the dance and all through the school 
People were calling on friends for a "pool" 
Because, as you see, it didn't seem right 
To fail to support their own Tower Light! 

18 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Sinclair Lewis 

MANY Americans do not accept Sinclair Lewis as the best ex- 
ample of an American writer although he is the sole American 
to have won the Nobel Prize for literature. He is disliked by 
some because he is mercenary. It is a known fact that at times he writes 
not to express his true self, but in obedience to the prevailing code of 
good form in order to realize a large sale of the book. In his sincere 
moments when he writes social satires, he is invincible. His most note- 
worthy job was to put much of our mid-West small town life into 
literature. He has satirized several American habits of thought and 
types of citizen. A number of instantly recognizable American persons 
and places have been painted by him. Mr. Lewis has a photographic 
gift of accuracy; he has all the arts of mimicry. He has been called the 
successor of Mark Twain. His genius is in the creation of social atmos- 
phere. It has been charged that he has allowed his expression to go 
unrefined in order to achieve a desired end. Being a satirist, he has in- 
curred the ill feeling of many people. This may be the reason that 
some people begrudge him the honor and distinction of being America's 
one and only Nobel Prizewinner. 

N. Neubert Jaffa, Freshman IV. 



G^JS^S^ 



Winter's Tale 

Trees, gaunt, in all humility 
Stand, black, against a greying sky, 
Stripped, bared before the winter's blast, 
Torn, mute, in tragic loneliness. 

Snow, lonely too, consolingly 
Comforts, with soft, caressing pat, 
Each naked limb, whose sorrows soon 
Slumber, within a chilly cloak. 

H. B., Senior III. 



19 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Tower Light 

Published monthly by the students of the Maryland State 
Normal School at Towson 

STUDENT EDITORS 
Editor Managing Editor 

Mary-Stewart Lewis Mary Douglas 

Business Manager 
Earl Palmer 



Circulation Managers 
Mary B. Yeager 
Irene Shank 
Dorothea Stinchcomb 
Jeanette Mathias 



Advertising Managers 
Marian Cunningham 
Elsie Meiners 
Justus Meyer 
Betty Rust 



DEPARTMENT EDITORS 
Assembly Athletics General Literature 

Ruth Keir Theodore Woronka Edward Turner 

Helene Ziegler Fairfax Brooke 



Poetry 
Herman Bainder 

Science 
Edith Waxman 



Social 

Mary Bucher 

Elizabeth Goodhand 



Secretarial Staff 
Hilda Farbman 
Dorothy Gonce 
Eulalie Smith 



Music 
Sarena Fried 



Library 
Ruth Hale Sarena Fried Humor 

Thomas Johnson Gene Benbow 

$1.50 per year 20 cents per copy 

Alice Munn, Faculty Adviser 



€£&J&L^55 



On March the first in this year of our Lord 

People will gather with one accord. 

To dance or play cards far into the night 

To help keep alive their beloved Tower Light! 



20 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Inspiration 



HAVE you ever sat down during a few, free moments and tried 
to relieve your boredom by creating something — composing, 
drawing, or writing? You rack your brains; you fidget; you 
chew your pencil; you ponder; still not an idea comes to the surface. 
You make a few marks on the paper, only to become almost instantly 
dissatisfied with them, and scratch them out immediately. At last, 
unless sheer will-power persuades your sub-conscious mind to release 
an idea, you give up in despair, fling down the pencil, toss aside the 
paper, and conveniently remember that it's about time you started on 
your homework, anyway. 

Have you ever been yanked out of bed, in the silent hours between 
darkness and dawn, by a great idea that screams aloud to be set down 
on paper, lest sleep fog your brain and it be lost forever? You throw 
off the covers and hastily light the desk-lamp, first shading the transom 
(so that the "home government" won't awaken and interfere). Prepa- 
rations are made mechanically with a nervous, thoughtless speed; any 
paper will do; the scrubbiest stump of a pencil fills the bill. Then you 
set to work feverishly, and, without the least signs of fatigue, may 
fill many pages. (If you were asked to do half this amount for one of 
your courses, your groans could be heard all over the building.) Fin- 
ally, your idea more permanently recorded, you turn out the light, 
crawl back into bed, and, with a satisfied sigh, let sleep again reclaim 
you. 

Later you compare (or rather, contrast) a piece of work that your 
will-power forced into being with one born of this strange urge that 
you felt in the "wee sma' hours." You can't help noticing how superior 
the latter is over the former. 

Why is it that these two brain-children bear no family resemblance? 
The answer is that the father of the better one was Inspiration. 

E. M., Senior III. 



Winter Glances 

Busy streets are wind brushed as the terse trill of a traffic officer's 
whistle splits the wind. White sunlight falls, inadequate for warmth. 
Chapped chins sink still farther down into coat collars, as simultane- 
ously hands dig deeper into coat pockets — against cold keys, finger- 
nails in tobacco. Winter is a series of pink noses. 

21 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Castaway 



WHEN the Federal Hill piled herself on the rocks of Roaring 
Point Bar, she did the job thoroughly. One evening she was 
a full rigged schooner; the next morning she was — firewood. 
It was reported that all "hands" were lost, but that was untrue; one 



was savec 

When the Federal Hill cast her timbers on the bar, a box shot forth, 
rode in on a huge wave, and bounced high and dry upon the mossy 
rocks. Here the box shattered and there tumbled out upon the hard 
stone, the lone survivor. He was a huge-pawed, green-eyed, slash- 
clawed, tuft-eared, stump-tailed devil known as a bob-cat. 

He shook himself clear of the debris, jumped out of the way of the 
next roaring, thundering, tumbling wave and hauled himself upon an 
upflung fang of rock. Then, turning, he cursed the deep in a concen- 
trated, spitting, swearing, torrent of blasphemy. He shook each paw 
in cat fashion, cleaned himself as best he could, tested his claws on an 
old stump, took one last look at the Federal Hill, and glided silently 
into the dumb, dark marsh. An animal dealer somewhere was the 
poorer by a bob-cat. 

An hour later the cat slid into a glen in the woods bordering the 
marsh. Here, he considered making his lair but something moved 
somewhere and he became a flattened mystery. A hare appeared from 
nowhere and limped off into space; a red fox — grinning from ear to ear — 
uprose and remembered an appointment elsewhere. Whereupon, the 
bob-cat remained as still as death for he knew by these signs that some 
great wild one was at hand. 

The bob-cat glided along as though he were on an invisible rail 
until a clearing checked him. Here he beheld the biggest, most evil 
visaged, slouching ruffian that Nature ever made a mistake in planning. 
He was a lurcher — one part bull dog, one part grey-hound, and two 
parts timber wolf. Moreover, poaching was his trade. Now, a domes- 
tic lurcher is not to be trusted, but a lurcher gone wild is a mishap. 
He is one of the most wicked catastrophes that hunts on four legs; he 
gives no quarter and expects none; he kills for the joy of killing, and 
fighting is his specialty. There he stood, eyes burning like coals of 
fire, his long fangs gleaming in the pale moon light. 

The bob-cat wished he were away and tried to execute the wish but 
the moon, as it scudded through the broken clouds, caught him in a 
bare place and he stopped. A whiff" of his scent, perhaps; a glimpse as 
of a patch of mist drifting away; a slight cracking of a twig; all, or one 
of these may have caught the lurcher's attention. In three bounds he 
was close to the cause of alarm. Then, very slowly, the bob-cat turned. 

22 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



His eyes shot green-yellow flame. His ears were gone, flattened, in- 
visible. His claws were unsheathed. His body was a steel spring ready 
set. He stared the lurcher between the eyes — a slow, evil, insolent 
stare. 

Thereafter it is on record that terrible things happened. Every- 
where through the wild, the news of the duel spread like a ripple, and 
half the wild folk were aroused, watchful, ill at ease, nervous, fearing 
they knew not what. Dawn halted the battle. He was a sight for the 
gods, that lurcher. A horrible picture, a blot on the landscape, he 
reeled as he walked, drunkenly, numbly, stupidly, groping blindly in 
the new born light. The bob-cat slunk away with that lack of haste 
peculiar to cats. Part of his left ear was not, his complexion was 
marred, his fur was ruffled, but his working parts were sound. 

Now when one has fought long and strenuously, two things are 
needed — food and drink. The second, a stream gave. The first he found 
in the marsh. On the banks of a sedge-flanked pool, the cat stalked a 
mallard drake. There had come a lightning leap, a half opening of the 
bird's wings, a hissing, slashing blow and then — the whispering, 
mysterious, terrifying, silence of the marshes. As he turned to go, the 
bob-cat suddenly dropped his prize. Nothing had spoken. No footfall 
had squelched the ooze, but the light of the sun had been blotted out. 
The cat's eyes flashed upward and he saw wings — vast, rustling, won- 
derful. It was a white-tailed sea eagle. 

"Errrrrrrrrr-pht!" said the cat. "Mmmm-hhhhheerrrrrrrrrr-pht!" 

The remark was full and complete. A lamb would have known its 
meaning, the eagle did. He "backed air" and reconsidered. The bob-cat, 
presuming on the effect his bad language had created, grabbed the 
duck and edged to cover. The eagle swooped. It was as if a volcano 
had taken life in that place. One could not tell which was cat and 
which was eagle. There was chaos and all manner of unseemly noises 
interspersed with flying mud and bad language. It ceased as suddenly 
as it began though how the cat managed to get himself and his duck 
into cover without being converted into strips is a puzzle. He looked 
much like a French poodle when the eagle had done with him, and the 
eagle appeared to have moulted out of season. 

For two days and a night the bob-cat hid himself in some unknown 
place. At the end of the second day, news went forth that the new 
terror was abroad again. One, a marsh hare, had seen his eye-balls of 
yellow-green flame, burning dully at the mouth of a dim den. Another, 
a cock-partridge had marked his passage across the marsh by the sway- 
ing of reeds. 

His two day retirement had made him hungry, so, man-like, his 
temper was on edge. He stalked a rabbit but a partridge flew up and 
gave him away. He moved to vent his ire on the partridge but a noisy 



23 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



crow inadvertently attracted the bird's attention so again the cat lost 
his dinner. Whereupon he flew into a rage. He exploded in yells at in- 
tervals of fifteen seconds and when he wasn't yelling he was digging 
his dagger-like claws into the earth and snarling and spitting like a 
locomotive on an upgrade. 

His temper tantrum vanished when he suddenly espied a form, 
dim and phantom-like. It was the lurcher slowly emerging from his 
hidden lair and like a patch of grey mist he passed from sight. Slowly 
and cautiously the cat approached the dog's den and entered. It was 
an ill-smelling place carpeted with bones, carcasses, and feathers. He 
satisfied himself that there was nothing of interest to him and turned 
to go. He was disappointed and swore softly under his bristling 
whiskers. The curse was duplicated from outside. There was the cat's 
arch enemy crouching at the entrance, his long, dripping, yellow fangs 
bared, his nose wrinkled in an ugly snarl, his battle scarred body tense 
— ready for action. The bob-cat went out over the lurcher's head as 
though he had been propelled by a spring. As the dog wheeled to face 
his foe, he noticed that the bob-cat was not looking at him at all, but 
past him, over his head and for the first and last time in his life, he saw 
rear in the cat's eyes. Then it seemed to the dog that the grim mask 
receded suddenly, like a face in a dream, receded and went out in the 
gathering mist, silently, uncannily. The next instant the clear, sharp, 
barking reports of two rifles rang out. The dog collapsed and lay 
still. 

Two game wardens emerged from a clump of laurel and walked 
over to the place where the cat was last seen, hoping to find him dead 
but he had gone. One of the men tells me that he must have fatally 
wounded the bob-cat because no one ever saw him again. But that is no 
reason at all. 

Myron D. Mezick. 



"Pop-corn Charlie" 



THE local pop-corn and peanut vendor is known to the denizens 
of athletic stadiums as "Pop-corn Charlie." He can neither read 
nor write, but he is loath to admit these very evident shortcom- 
ings. The wags of the community, at quite regular intervals, rush up to 
Charlie and hurriedly request five quarters for a nickel. Never can they 
catch Charlie off guard where money is concerned; he knows how to 
count. Furthermore, he is thrifty. In fact, thrift is his hobby, al- 

24 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



though it leaves him prone to attack on his personal appearance. His 
clothes are misfits, donations of discarded apparel. For the last few 
years he has appeared in a bright green cap which sets off his fat, 
chubby, ever-smiling countenance. His coat is brown, variegated with 
livid yellow, red and green pin stripes running both vertically and 
horizontally. This accoutrement makes him a human checkerboard. 
His pants, which have not been pressed in years, resemble old-fashioned 
stove pipes. 

"You haven't seen your feet in years; your stomach's in the way," 
he is chided constantly. 

"Let's punch Charlie in the 'belly'; he's a swell punching bag," 
call the children when the "peanut vendor" appears on the street. 

Charlie doesn't try to defend himself physically from these on- 
slaughts, but he endeavors to give the children a tongue lashing in- 
stead. This is not effective because Charlie's ever-sparkling, joyous 
eyes cannot convey a feeling of anger. The peanut purveyor is past 
forty, but doctors say that his mental age is ten. He is just as prankish 
as the children of the neighborhood; with him it is a game of ' give and 
take." Charlie sneaks behind the children and tries to scare them by 
making ungodly noises. On other occasions he, along with the chil- 
dren, teases the police officer on the beat. Nevertheless, in spite of the 
fraternizing in pranks, the children delight in trying to annoy "Pop- 
corn Charlie." Some call him an unfortunate. Is he? 



N. Neubert Jaffa, Freshman TV. 



€\^J^^S^> 



Fog 

Fog, you are Mystery 

Casting your spell over the world. 

You hold a cloak of gloom 

And the world 

Obediently 

Dons it. 

Fog, you change everything — 

The frowns of men and smiles of infants. 

You enshroud each one 

With a mood of introspection. 

God, would that there were no Fog. 

F. E. F. 



25 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Did You Know That— 

There is a thousand times more silver than gold in solution in the 
oceans of the world? 

Within a few weeks after Roentgen discovered X-rays in 1895, phy- 
sicians had begun using them in examining broken bones? 

An ' 'electric nose, ' ' which detects even very small amounts of mer- 
cury vapor in the air and sets off a warning gong, has been invented? 

Cream in aluminum foil containers, holding enough for one cup of 
beverage, is sold cheaply in Germany? 

Swedish museums have evolved a system of artificial lighting for 
exhibit halls, so that pictures and other objects are seen as if in clear 
daylight? 

An all-metal office building was recently built in Richmond, Vir- 
ginia, in which aluminum was the chief material? 



GUzJg^SrS 



A Liberal Education 

THAT man, I think, has had a liberal education who has been so 
trained in youth that his body is the ready servant of his will, and 
does with ease and pleasure all the work that, as a mechanism, 
it is capable of; whose intellect is a clear, cold, logic engine, with all 
its parts of equal strength, and in smooth working order; ready, like 
a steam engine, to be turned to any kind of work, and spin the gossa- 
mers as well as forge the anchors of the mind; whose mind is stored 
with a knowledge of the great and fundamental truths of nature, and 
of the laws of her operations; one who, no stunted ascetic, is full of life 
and fire, but whose passions are trained to come to heel by a vigorous 
will, the servant of a tender conscience; who has learned to love all 
beauty, whether of nature or of art, to hate all vileness and to respect 
others as himself. Such an one, and no other, I conceive has had a 
liberal education; for he is, as completely as a man can be, in harmony 
with nature." 

Thomas A. Huxley. 
26 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



An Ambition Realized 

HAVE you ever yearned for a long, long time to do something? 
Have you ever desired to do this thing to such an extent that 
you felt that this accomplishment was the only thing worth 
living for? Have you ever finally reached this goal or ambition, and 
become perfectly satisfied because every mental picture you have carried 
with you has proved a true conception of the actual. I have just real- 
ized such an experience. 

As long as I can remember, it has been my one desire to go to New 
York. Everything I did to advantage seemed to bring me closer to my 
destination. I do not know what prompted me to put New York on a 
pedestal and pray every night for a chance to see my dream realized. 
Perhaps it was the bigness, the lights, the speed of the metropolitan 
life I had heard about. I do not know. 

I have reached my goal! I have a dream come true! I have rubbed 
elbows with every color, race, and creed. I have learned the meaning 
of "the melting pot of the world." I have been "shot" in a subway 
train from one end of a little world to the other. I have been in the 
"lady herself" — the gift of France to America. At a breath taking rate 
of speed, I have been whizzed to the top of the Empire State Building. 
I have been one of the masses on New Year's Eve at Times Square. I 
have observed the greatness of man — His creation of such massive 
buildings, of ingenious underground structures, of mighty bridges, and 
of other marvelous ways of connections so as to make the world he 
lives in larger and more suited to his needs. 

All of these realizations have only made me more ambitious. I 
want to live in the "big city." I want to be just one in such a large 
throng. That shall be my next goal ! 

S arena Fried, Junior I. 

Invitation to the Dance ! 

Come dance, thou welcome guest 
And hold against thy longing breast 
Fair maiden, who, tho' quaintly dresst 
Is pleasure to thy sight. 

And if she be with beauty blessed, 
Or in her face a crow might nest, 
Think only of a staff in quest 
Of means for your Tower Light ! 

27 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Patriot — the Musician 

JUST three years ago on February 22, we celebrated George Washing- 
ton's 200th birthday. Incidentally, another famous man was born 
that year — 1732. This great personage was Joseph Haydn. Both 
are "Fathers" in their own field — Washington is known as "Father of 
his Country"; Haydn is remembered as the "Father of the Modern 
Symphony." It is he who expanded the scope and size of the orchestra 
and wrote a vast quantity of music for it. It is he who did more than 
anyone to place orchestral symphony music in its present high position. 

All or us know the amusing stories of Washington upon which we 
were reared. We have many such tales concerning Haydn, but upon 
inspection of his music we find them true. One of these stories is con- 
cerned with the remarkable sense of humor Haydn is known to have 
had. The story goes like this : 

Haydn noticed that his audience often fell asleep during the adagio 
part of his symphonies, so he had a minuet that followed with full, 
loud chords so as to give the sleepers a start. His "Surprise Symphony" 
is typical. 

Just as many men have tried to reach heights achieved by Wash- 
ington as a militaristic leader, so have many men tried to copy Haydn's 
genial, vivacious style. All have failed. His music stands alone for 
sprightliness, sweetness, and a certain refined elegance and finish. 

Someone seems to have recognized the achievement reached by 
Washington and Haydn for a Haydn tune has been adopted by some 
musicians to words concerning George Washington. 

Shall we conclude then, that 1732 was a year rich for humanity? 
I think so, because it gave us two great conributors to society. 

Sarena Fried, Senior I. 

Glee Club Notes 

N Sunday, January 6, the Glee Club gave a concert at the Wilson 
Memorial Church at Charles Street and University Parkway. 
The program was as follows : 

Lovely Appear Gounod 

The Shepherds' Story Dickinson 

Lullaby, Jesus Dear Polish Carol 

Carol of the Birds French Carol 

O Tannenbaum German Carol 

Gloria in Excelsis Deo French Carol 

28 



O 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



On Sunday, January 13, the Glee Club assisted in our Founders' 
Day Exercises. Once more we made the "Shepherds' Story" our special 
contribution to the program. In spite of the fact that the news pho- 
tographer showed four Glee Club members singing "Maryland, My 
Maryland" that selection was not included on our program. Well, in 
spirit, at least, as the reporter said, we did sing it, so we suppose he 
was right. 

In all, the Glee Club sang the "Shepherds' Story" at an even half 
dozen public occasions during the Christmas season. And now, lest one 
good song should spoil us, we turn to other things. There are other 
songs written in eight parts, and we have already started the business 
of "putting one together." And still other songs challenge us. One 
thing is certain: the work we do now will determine the quality of the 
programs we expect to give a bit later. So we expect to make the halls 
of old Normal ring with rehearsals at which all of our large member- 
ship will be on hand. 



tf&^JCL«3% 



Music 

NOW that "Noel" has faded into the past, the Glee Club is 
launching itself on a new tour of song. Right about this time, 
we are being tossed on the stormy waves of sight reading. 
From the depths of low b, we glide up to G above the staff, and en- 
counter many moments of apprehension in the intervals. At times the 
path is smooth, and we swell our voices confidently, but more often 
the tones are feeble in their attempts. Everyone is hopeful, however, 
with Miss Weyforth guiding our course. When "Peter, Peter, Pumpkin 
Eater" joins our merry crew, the fun begins. Then all too soon the 
spirit of "Springtide," darkens our spirits. It is lovely and we appre- 
ciate it, but the demands it makes on our voices are quite harassing. 
With steady movements, our progress at practice is slow but encourag- 
ing. In the far future, surrounded by hazy mist, are the shores of Com- 
mencement, toward which we are steering. Barring mishaps of going 
"flat," we expect to reach port safely and joyfully, when we can open 
our hearts to melody and music. 

Dorothy A. Lorenz, Senior II. 
29 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



School News 

HAVE A HEART 

Give your M.S.N. S. school friends a valentine by bringing them to the 

Junior Valentine Benefit Dance, Friday, February 15 

Good Music 

Dancing from nine until one 

Admission 75c per couple, tax included 

The Junior Class. 

Founder's Day-Sunday, January 13, 1935 

GOVERNOR NICE— 

Governor Nice gave us two thoughts — first that Maryland should 
be proud of her schools, and second, that he is going to do everything 
in his power to help these schools and that politics will not enter the 
school system. 

DR. TALL— 

Mr. Newell, the founder of Normal School, welcomed the oppor- 
tunity for work in the school. He was principal of Normal, president 
of the State Board of Education and State Superintendent of Education. 

DR. MEAD— 

Dr. Mead, the next speaker, is president of Washington College. 
The first college charter of Marylana was granted in 1782 to Washing- 
ton College. Then it had an enrollment of 140 pupils. This earliest 
of state institutions developed from a flourishing academy, and was 
the college of the Eastern Shore, while St. Johns (next established) was 
the college of the Western Shore. Dr. William Smith, a Scotchman, 
holding degrees from London was the first to build a college in Mary- 
land. William Smith, Rev. John Carroll and Rev. Patrick Allison 
wrote charters joining Washington College and St. John's University 
in 1711. 

The first Normal class graduated in 1896. Then the state discon- 
tinued the Normal Department of Washington College. Now, this 
College is celebrating its 153rd birthday and the school has increased 
pride in its age. Incoming students bring new blood to this old institu- 
tion. Lessons of life, health, reverence and good citizenship, whereon 
true education is built, are carried by the teachers into homes and com- 
munities. 

30 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



COLONEL WOODCOCK— 

Colonel Woodcock gave a picture of St. John's. St. John's grew 
out of King William's School which was closely allied with St. Anne's 
Church. In St. John's charter ideals of virtue and character were 
prominent as well as scholastic achievement. No boy was admitted 
to the college unless he could read tolerably well and write well 
enough to form letters. Some things included in the curriculum were: 
Homer, Greek Testament, Virgil, sciences and grammar, with emphasis 
on the classics and mathematics. 

Keir, R. 
Hale, R. 



The Founder's Day Dinner 

The Resident Students enjoyed a double celebration on Founder's 
Day when Miss Tall entertained at Sunday dinner nearly forty guests, 
among whom were Governor Harry Nice; Colonel A. W. W. Wood- 
cock, President of St. John's College; Dr. Gilbert M. Mead, President 
of Washington College; Dr. J. M. T. Finney, Sr., a member of our 
Board of Trustees; Senator Mary Risteau, also a member of the Board 
of Trustees; Dr. Albert S. Cook, State Superintendent of Schools and 
Secretary of the Board of Trustees, and others whom we were glad to 
meet. 

After dinner, coffee was served in Richmond Hall Social Room. 
There we were given an opportunity to meet the guests, to learn some- 
thing of their interests in a more personal way, and to tell them about 
our school. May every Founder's Day bring to us many more new 
friends ! 

M. Bucher. 



Founder's Day -January 15, 1935 

A LTHOUGH Sunday was celebrated at the school as Founder's Day, 
/"A the real birthday date was Tuesday, January 15. On the audi- 
-* **torium platform were seated all members of the staff who were 
graduates of Normal. Among these were our speakers for the occasion, 
Miss Coe, head of the elementary department of the Park School, and 
Miss Sisk, the only woman High School Supervisor in Maryland. These 
two Alumnae spoke to us on how they earned their first degree, B.S., 
after leaving Normal School. 

31 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Miss Coe confessed that she was very immature when she first en- 
tered the profession. Miss Scarborough, she said, was her adviser on 
how to overcome this immaturity. Hopkins' courses for seven winters 
and summers finally equipped her with a B.S. Then she was offered a 
position which placed her in association, not with adults, but with 
children of the middle grades. She set herself to live very intensively 
with the children. Two years later she was asked to deal also with 
children from 2 years to 4 years of age. In order to prepare herself, she 
took courses again at Hopkins in Kindergarten Primary work. She 
continues to grow through broad reading, through visiting other 
schools, and through living in close association with other children. 
These activities she uses as a substitute for her Master's and Doctor's 
degrees. Lastly, she pointed out the many opportunities our own 
Normal of today presents to us. 

Miss Sisk said she felt her immaturity when she began to teach. 
She taught in high school, and when requirements began to be raised 
was forced to go to college for further study. She stopped teaching and 
went to several universities instead of sticking to one. After sixteen 
years she obtained her M. A. She advises students to stick to one college 
and get their degrees while young because, in her experience, she 
missed the college friendships, and her courses, spread over so long a 
time, had no continuity. Now, she stated, through the State Normal 
School at Towson we are better endowed with the good things in life, 
because of the new continuous four year course leading to the B.S. 
degree. 

Miss Scarborough, in her own humorous way, gave two sentences 
— the first that her birthday was the fourteenth and she was one day 
older than the school; and second, that if she was a Saint, she didn't 
know it. 



Orchestra 

SINCE the holidays, the orchestra has been engaged in preparing for 
Founder's Day and our broadcast. In addition to the usual accom- 
paniment for the hymns, our number on the Founder's Day pro- 
gram was Agnus Dei by Bizet. 

The broadcast over WCAO on January 24 came off in spite of 
grippe, snow, and examinations. We were very glad that three members 
of the orchestra conquered illness in order to be on hand at the ap- 
pointed time, though we missed the two who were unable to be pres- 
ent, one because of illness, the other because of the close of the semester. 

32 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



It seemed on that morning that we might be snowbound. But by ten 
o'clock the bus driver had shoveled himself out and the blanket coat 
had been made for the double bass. At two forty the bus was loaded 
with students buried beneath books, brief cases, violin cases, cello 
cases, and the big bass, while the center of the floor was occupied by 
the tympani and two extra camp chair seats. This year we had the 
pleasure of having Miss Tall ride with us. We were delighted when 
one of our members of two years ago, happening to be in the neighbor- 
hood on business, dropped in to greet us and to listen from the control 
room. 

Our program for the fifteen minutes : 

Von Weber. . . . (Orchestra') — Theme from The Invitation to the Dance 

Young (Quartet) — Gravi Allegro Energico from Sonata VII 

Dr. Tall Greetings 

Bizet] (Orchestra) — Agnus Dei 

School Song (Orchestra)— Alma Mater 

The Beethoven Country Dance in C was played as the announcer 
signed us off. 

We welcome our student teachers who return to us, but look with 
dismay at the six absences for this nine weeks; the entire string quartet 
and two other members. 



&£2zj&^Z?$ 



A Valentine Tale 

Little Will, age six 
Loved little Jill, age four. 
His pants were always pressed, 
His heart was always sore. 
Now Jill loved handsome Jack 
(Will owned freckles and red hair) 
And vowed until her dying day 
For him alone she'd care. 

The moral of this tale, my dears — 
"No matter what your station, 
You'll always want what others own, 
In all this great creation. 

F. E. F. 



33 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Faculty Notes 



ORDERS came from the editorial office to feature faculty anni- 
versaries this month. The faculty correspondent, however, is 
a peace-loving soul, who believes that discretion is the better 
part of valor. Therefore you may decide for yourself who's who in 
February, and believe it or not, there will be no prizes. 

1. manages a monthly magazine of high repute, but low 

finance. 

2. is now engaged in landscape gardening. 

3. tells stories grown-ups and children both enjoy. 

4. is said to have gone so sound asleep in assembly recently 

that the daily noon rush took place without awakening her. 

5. tests everything, including you, at least once. 

6. has a name which belies her stature. 

7. barricades herself with books on Monday mornings. 

8. has an unknown germ which permits her to eat lunch only 

when sitting in a certain chair. 

9. helps you make your money go farther. 

10. likes to work in mono-types. 

11. is so neat she washes and irons her shoestrings. 

An informal tea was given in Richmond Hall parlor on January 
23 in honor of Dr. Crabtee and Miss Pierson. Dr. Crabtree is returning 
to her school at Chevy Chase, and Miss Pierson is resuming her work 
at the Hopkins. We regret their leaving, for they have both con- 
tributed to the progress of the school. 

On January 21, Mrs. Brouwer spoke at the Baltimore Museum of 
Art. 

It's an unjust world. Student gum-chewing is frowned on by the 
Faculty. But didn't we hear one of our most ladylike faculty-members 
state, in a recent assembly, that she chewed pitch? 

Would you believe that one of the staff members recently con- 
sumed half a large pumpkin pie, thereby winning a wager? 

"Love in Bloom," a current popular melody is the expressed pref- 
erence of one of our music-loving teachers. 



A little dancing now and then 

Is relished by our greatest men 

So be ye great or be ye a mite 

Come shake your bones for the Tower Light! 



34 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Miss Tall 

MISS TALL welcomed us back to work in one of the first assemblies 
of 1935- She gave us the thought that during the year 1935, we 
can have our heart's desire because the year will be what wc 
make it. The main thought for all should be, "Truth will Light the 
Way." As we meet life daily, we can accomplish much, for each rich, 
full day presents its problems to be dealt with individually. 

During 1935, our resolution should be to get to work on English; 
a speech campaign, to improve our slovenly ways of speaking. 

Some of the new courses to be given in the fourth year are chemis- 
try, electricity, physics and astronomy. 

Lastly, Miss Tall told us of a list, found in "the Spillway," of 
great men who have passed away during 1934. These men represented 
fields of scholarship, drama, science, etc. Their work was great, but 
ours is just as great, so let us keep as our guiding thought through 1935 
"Truth will Light the Way." 



tfCfeaJO^FS 



Miss Blood 

ON January 21, Miss Blood entertained us by telling in assembly, 
her "out-of-school" interest. Last summer she and a fifteen- 
year old friend decided to build a telescope. There are two kinds 
of telescopes, reflecting and refracting both of whose purpose is to 
gather light and magnify. The refracting telescope is the more difficult 
to make. As the reflecting telescope was the least difficult to construct, 
Miss Blood and her friend made a six-inch reflector. After assembling 
the materials the next step was grinding the glass. Half a croquet ball 
served as a handle on the glass which was rubbed back and forth on 
another piece of glass, each consequently, wearing down the other. 
One piece of glass becomes concave and the other becomes convex. 
After the glass has. been ground, the mirror must be polished by jew- 
eler's rouge. The telescope is not yet completed but when it is, it will 
certainly repay the maker for all her hard labor. 

35 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Alumni News 

We announce the following marriages among former graduates : 

Miss Sarah Elizabeth Akehurst, '31, and Mr. Harry E. Fisher, Jr., 
were married December 21. 

Miss Louise Burns, '32, and Mr. Edward Henly were married 
December 29, at St. Michaels. 

On July 28, Miss Elizabeth McDowell, '28, and Mr. Otis Figgs 
were married at Wilmington, Delaware. 

Miss Florence Viele, '29, and Mr. David Garfield, Jr., were married 
January 12. 

Miss Margaret L. Rohrer, '27, was married to Mr. Donald Haines 
recently. 

The new officers of the Hagerstown Alumni Unit are: 

Teny Horst, Chairman. 

Margaret Jenkins, Vice-Chairman. 

Jean McLaughlin, Treasurer. 

Te-Pa-Chi Club Dinner Meeting 

THE annual dinner meeting of the Te-Pa-Chi Club was held on the 
evening of Tuesday, January 8, and brought out a large number of 
parents. Dinner was served at small tables in Newell Hall dining 
room under the direction of Mrs. Oliver Travers, chairman of the din- 
ner committee; Christmas colors were conspicuous in the decoration of 
the hall. 

As the guests took their seats, a grace was sung by the Chimes Guild 
of the Normal School. The waitresses were Normal School students 
who are at present practice-teaching in the Campus Elementary School. 

Following dinner, a meeting was held in Richmond Hall social 
room presided over by Mr. Paul G. Ballard, vice-president of the Club, 
in the absence of the President, Mrs. Ralph D. Finkbinder. The speaker 
was Mr. James M. Hepbron, Secretary of the Criminal Justice Com- 
mission, who discussed the science and detection of crime. His talk 
proved especially interesting to club members in view of the promi- 
nence being given the Hauptmann trial, and he was called upon to 
answer many questions. 

Preceding Mr. Hepbron's talk, a string quartet composed of pupils 
of Mr. Hendrik A. Essers, played several selections with an admirable 
feeling and precision. Several parents were heard to express the hope 
that the young men would appear again at future meetings of the club. 

F.F.B. 

36 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



In Pace Requiescat 

If I should die think only this of me 
And write it where the world may see 
"Because I thought it to be right 
I danced to death for the Tower Light!" 

Revelations IV; '34 -'3 5 

OH me! Oh my! — how fittingly could this writer assume the role 
of Pagliacci this night — what, with practice teaching in the 
immediate offering and grades for courses just finished, slowly 
drifting into the office all following that unevadable principle that 
whatever goes up must come down — so, patient reader, I entreat you, 
forbear, if these few items appear as excerpts from "A Book of the 
Dead" rather than an attempt to portray a humorous side of our life 
here at school. 

To a freshman (city and male) our profoundest sympathies do we 
proffer in this, his hour of affliction — on receiving such criticism; "You 
are very capable but you lack vision," he ventures, "Thank you Miss 
X, do you think glasses would help?" 

We have no specific objective in keeping this name (Schwanebeck) 
before you but we are living in the hope that he will eventually take the 
hint. We are seriously considering dubbing him "Philandering Phil." 

No! No! No! "Swanny," a steam shovel does not shovel steam. 

And Teddy Woronka claims emphatically that we need more pre- 
scriptions to the Tower Light. We didn't know that such were issued 
but we're all in favor of the idea. 

We have heard in some quarters recently, discussions on the fall- 
acies in the prevailing system of grading — we are willing to wager that 
in the near future these debates will be greatly reenforced both "pro" 
and "con" but mostly "con." 

Who is this "ducky" that a certain girl in Freshman 3 is always 
telling us about? 

What has happened to the freshman piano player during the last 
week? He seems to have disappeared — temporarily, we hope. 

Our blonde freshman friend seems to go to Hopkins quite often. 
I hear that some of the freshman boys wish she would keep her talents 
at home. 

We sure would like to see that handsome young milkman who 
gave a lift to one of our freshman maidens during the recent snowstorm. 

Have you heard? A new romance has sprung up in Freshman 7. 
We hope they don't neglect their schoolwork. 

If you haven't heard of the wildcats, please inquire. It is becoming 
a very "famous" group. 

37 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Sport Slants 



BASKETBALL is now in full fling. The elective classes have had 
I intra-games. Monday's team won from Tuesday's class and thus 
gained the right to play the winner of the Wednesday-Thursday 
game. These games were played on Wednesday, January 23. 

The results were: Wednesday's team "number one" defeated Thurs- 
day's team, but in the next game the team "number two" from Wed- 
nesday lost to the "Thursday six." "Monday's team" then played the 
winner of the first game and emerged victorious. Those playing on the 
winning team were: Misses Thomas, Eckstein, Straining, Brooke, 
Lambert, Yoder, and Chaney. 

Thus the games of teams, with different classes represented on 
each, came to a close. Now electives will be held for each class in an- 
ticipation of the class games to be held Monday, February 11. 
May the best team win! 



Connelly, Marc, The Green Pastures 

The theme of the play, as expressed by the author himself in his 
introduction, is "an attempt to present certain aspects of a living re- 
ligion in the terms of its believers." 

The quiet simplicity of The Green Pastures translates into tangible 
form the faith of the negroes in the South. Even the most humorous 
scenes arouse a strong impulse toward tears. To understand the play is 
to understand the childlike people about whom it deals. 

The conception of God, and the Biblical stories, vividly portrays 
the imagination and basic religion of the blacks, and though the treat- 
ment of the play is bizarre and fantastic, never does it smack of the 
blasphemous. 

As one reads The Green Pastures, it is easy to picture the scenes of the 
spectacle on the stage — the fish fry, God's office, the Ark, Pharoah's 
court, etc. 

While the language is simple, and in the negro dialect, there is a 
certain poetic rhythm underlying the entire play. 

When The Green Pastures was produced several years ago, both the 
critics and the public, touched with its sincerity of feeling and expres- 
sion, received it with unstinted praise and were quick to recognize in it 
the elements of true greatness. 

Margery Willis, Special Senior. 

38 



It pays to stop at the 

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Apparel of ©ant* for tb,r Unman HI70 CCarw 

The Uptown Store with the Downtown Prices 



You Will Enjoy Our 

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Arundel 

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420 York Road Towson, Md. 

We Deliver at Any Time 

Just Phone Towson 73 



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For Elementary or Advanced Research 

.A/so Remodeling and Repairing 

ALLAN UHLER 

Optical Works 

200 East 22nd Street Chesapeake 0655 

Phone Towson 905 

The Penn Hotel 

Conveniently located at 

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Delicious Meals • Large Rooms 

Homelike Atmosphere 

Excellent Service 

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Funeral Directors 

Towson, Md. 

C. & P. Telephone 205 




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Visitors Welcome 

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Our Junior Miss and Young Fellows' 
Shops on the Fourth Floor are foremost 
in style for the collegiate miss and youth. 

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" of Charles St." 


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Jewelers » Stationers « Silversmiths 
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WRIST WATCHES » FINE STATIONERY 

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Official AAA Station 
Towson, Md. 
24-Hour Service 


Diamonds Watches Jewelry 

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Towson, Md. 

Skilled Watch, Clock. Jewelry, Eye Slasi 

and Fountain Pen Repairing 

Diamond Setting 

Birthday Cards Parker Pens Quimk 

Compliments 

of 

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32 York Road 

Smart Distinctive Waves and 
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Convenient for Normal School 
Phone: Towson 1022 


OFFICE RADIO RESIDENCE 

Calvert 4902 Sales : Service Towson 78S-R 

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THURSDAY & FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21-22 
LORETTA JOHN 
YOUNG BOLES 

THE 

WHITE PARADE 

The Story That's Never Been Told 

TmTjiF="w CINEMA 

f J || W OF BEAUTY 
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J9*b#Afc>t 

TOOMSEN-K ELUS 



The Tower Light 




IDatyland State Uovmal School 
at Towson 

T O W S O N , M D . 



CONTENTS 

Page 

Photograph — Minnie V. Medwedeff, (insert) 2-3 

Tributes 3 

Mozart 9 

Canton 11 

Musical Notes 12 

Bronson Alcott 13 

Book Reports 15 

A Prophecy 16 

How Prettyboy Dam Received Its Name 16 

Five Qualities of a Good Teacher 17 

Spring 17 

Assemblies 18 

Editorials 20 

Poetry 22 

The Physiological Effects of Exercise 24 

Who's Who in Posture 25 

Poetry 26 

School News 27 

Basketball Slants 29 

More Musical Notes 30 

Advertisements 31 




jffltes fflinnit \7. jJlcbtocbcff 



The Towev Light 



Vol. VIII MARCH, 1935 No. 6 



Jtttgg JHtnnfe #. Jflebtoebeff 

THE passing of Miss Minnie V. Medwedeff, a member of the fac- 
ulty of the State Normal School at Towson, has been a great 
grief to the faculty, the students and the friends of the school. 

Miss Medwedeff received her early education in the schools of 
Chicago and Charlotte, North Carolina. In 1913 she obtained her di- 
ploma in the Baltimore Teachers Training School where she led her 
class. For five years she taught in the intermediate grades in the Bal- 
timore City schools. 

In order to follow her special interest in general biology and in- 
vertebrate zoology she studied at Goucher from which she was grad- 
uated in 1920. Here her brilliant scholarship was recognized through 
the award of the Phi Beta Kappa Key and the Woods Hole scholarship 
with the highest commendation from her instructors, Dr. Ralph E. 
Cleland, Dr. William H. Longley and the late Dr. Hans Froelicher. 
She entered the faculty of the State Normal School in Towson in 1922 
as a teacher of biology, elementary science and hygiene. 

The summers of 1928 and 1930 she taught at the Indianapolis 
Teachers College. The winter of 1927-28 she spent at Columbia Un- 
iversity from which she received the degree of Master of Arts. 

But scholarship was not her only interest. She was an enthusi- 
astic traveler, knowing Europe and the tropics. Last summer she took 
a trip around the world bringing back many interesting objects to 
share with the school and her friends. The friends of Miss Medwedeff 
have always recognized and appreciated her fine character and intel- 
lectual qualities. She was a person of great enthusiasms, perseverance, 
energy, accuracy and reliability. She was interested in many extra- 
school activities at the Normal, having been directing faculty member 
of the school's Honor Society, the Chi Alpha Sigma Fraternity. She 
was also the Class adviser chosen by the Class of 1932 as its honorary 
member, to follow and guide their life during their two-year course at 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



the school. This abiding interest and pleasure in her work and in the 
welfare of her students endeared her to her colleagues, her students, and 
her friends. 

Her connection with the Towson Normal School, begun in 1922, 
has continued unbroken for thirteen years. She has rendered great ser- 
vice to the State. 

The love and admiration of her friends is shown in this letter of 
sympathy from a former member of the staff, Miss Anna D. Halberg, 
director of practice at Wilson Normal School, Washington, D. C. : 
"Dear Miss Tall: 

Today I feel a hurt clear through in the loss of our Minnie Medwe- 
deff. Dr. Blackwell of the State Department stopped in at my office and 
told me about her going, and I mourn with you, your staff and students. 
Only a few days ago I told a co-worker she was one in many who could 
teach the' facts of scientific life and not lose the beauty and magic of it 
all. 

It was she who when my days were filled to overflowing with 
work — hard trying work — taught me to play golf. I wonder if we 
sufficiently often let our students know what a colleague such as she 
was, means in an institution. There were no false notes but always life 
that was vigorous, fine, thoughtful of others, and intelligent. For her 
fine qualities, high spirit, and her many kindnesses as well as for all 
she stood for I admired her and loved her. With you I feel the loss of a 
friend and so with you I mourn and salute her living memory. 

Yours very sincerely with kindest personal greetings, 

Anna D. Halberg. 



Praise 

It was indeed a severe shock to learn of Miss MedwedefFs death. 
I remember her in two connections. It was my privilege to visit Tow- 
son and to observe her work. During the school year of 1927-1928 she 
was a student in one of my classes. In both of these connections she is 
remembered as an educational worker with high professional ideals. 
Her work as a teacher and as a student bore abundant evidence of her 
competence. The State Normal School at Towson has lost a valuable 
worker, as has the teaching profession in general. 

S. Ralph Powers, 
Professor of Natural Sciences. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Minnie V. Medwedeff 

MY wish for you is that all may become master builders, 
dreaming fine dreams and by your labor changing these dreams 
into splendid realities." Thus, simply stated, our adviser gave 
us a parting thought, a working philosophy, exemplified throughout 
her life, devoted as it was to building and beautifying the lives of those 
who were so fortunate as to know her. 

As roughly hewn timber we came under Miss MedwedefTs guid- 
ance. Gradually, she showed us the better paths to travel, helped us 
create a new vision. Upon the completion of two years' work together, 
these were her own words: "I have seen delightful and heartening 
transformations take place." With this beginning, how could we be 
satisfied unless we continued to grow, gathering momentum and 
strength with which to meet the new life into which all have been 
plunged? 

We rejoice in having known her, whose life expressed the art of 
living. May we live more abundantly because of the life she gave. 

*32 and '33. 

A Tribute 

"We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths; 
In feelings, not in figures on a dial. 
We should count time by heart throbs. 
He lives most who thinks most, feels the noblest, 
Acts the best." 

In the life of Chi Alpha Sigma, Minnie V. Medwedeff holds a 
unique place. It is impossible to think of the fraternity without at the 
same time bringing to mind the tremendously important part she has 
had in its development. It is difficult for us to realize that physically 
she will no longer be one of our group; but the dynamic quality of her 
personality and the keen stimulation of her intellect — these we still 
have. The warmth and kindliness of her friendship which endeared 
her so to all of us, mere time will be powerless to erase. To have come 
under her sympathetic supervision was a privilege to be valued highly. 
Certainly if lire is to be measured "in deeds, not years; in feelings, not 
in figures on a dial," then the fullness and richness of her achieve- 
ments, the charm of her personality, will remain eternally alive. 

Evelyn R. Girardin, 
President, Chi Alpha Sigma. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



A Tragedy 

Do you know what has happened under the hill? 

They say that 

I heard that 

They're all of them whispering 

Pan's heart is 

Pan's song is 

Pan's pipe is still! 

Gertrude Carley. 

A Teacher's Tribute 

IT was with a profund sense of personal loss that I learned of the sud- 
den death of Miss Medwedeff. She was my first pupil in botany, and 
had occupied in consequence a rather unique position within my 
circle of friends. But I valued her friendship and regard chiefly because 
of her own fine qualities of character and of mind. I found her, as a 
student, and later as an assistant, most capable and eager to learn, 
enthusiastic over her chosen field, loyal and devoted to her colleagues 
and friends, a happy, unselfish, quietly radiant personality. I was not 
surprised that she developed into such a strong teacher, and made for 
herself such a place in the affections of her associates; for she had all the 
elements in her character that make for growth, and was bound to in- 
crease in the value of her contribution as time went on. 

Her life was unfortunately short. One cannot help but think with 
regret of what she might have accomplished, and of the influence she 
might have exerted, had she been spared. But one cannot measure the 
value of a service in terms of its duration. Some of the most potent and 
lasting influences in human society have been the result of shortened 
ministries, such as those of Mozart in music, of Shelley and Keats in 
poetry, of Jesus in religion. So, I believe, the influence of Miss Medwe- 
deff will live on, in the standards which she maintained in the school, 
in the inspiration which her life has brought to her fellow instructors, 
and in the influence which she has exerted in the lives of the many 
students who have had the privilege of her guidance. While we sor- 
row in her death, therefore, we rejoice in greater measures, because of 
her life, so graciously lived, so unconsciously and whole-heartedly 
poured out in the service of her students and friends. 

Ralph E. Cleland, 
Professor of Botany at Gaucher College. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Mid-Channel Parting 

I have sought with her 

the reaches of the stars 
through the close vastness of the 
summer night. 
The river black beneath us; 
The night a veil 

through which the glory of the sky 

beckoned 

to realms of wonder and surmise. 

I have walked with her 

In the winter woods 
where every brown twig offered her 
a key, to unlock a secret 

of creation. 

I have explored with her the realms 

of thought 
until the talk of time and man 
carried us to the heart of God in man 
His plan and meaning 

for blind eyes and groping hands. 

I have shared with her the light 
of children's eyes, 
wide at the wonder of unfolding life, 
seeking her own, to read therein 
the meaning of the fluttering moth 
they clasped twixt folded palms. 

I have watched her seize with 

eager joy the new, 
weigh it, and place it in the 

patterned scheme, 
share it, and in the sharing, 

make her joy 
a part of him to whom she 

told the tale. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Now shall I know no more 

the challenge of her thought, 
her gay companionship, 
her tender care. 
So soon she's gone — 
Mid-channel, 
Life's glamor still undimmed! 

What intricacies of creation 

now intrigue her spirit? 
What beauties now enfold her, 
higher than the reach of 
mortal eye or ear? 
What was the need for her 
beyond the ken of man? 



Helen Stapleton. 



^c&jsa-^ss 



Resolutions on the Loss of Miss Minnie V. Medwedeff 

WHEREAS we have with fearful suddenness found ourselves face 
to face with the loss by death of our dear and beloved friend and co- 
worker, Minnie V. Medwedeff. 

AND, WHEREAS, in the years she lived here among us, she en- 
deared herself, not only by her generous friendliness, joyous comrade- 
ship and sympathetic understanding, but more than all by her own 
thrilling and radiant personality. 

AND WHEREAS, for us all, faculty and student body, life is the 
richer by reason of her fearless love and practice of truth; her vivid in- 
terest in life with all its manifestations; her insatiable zeal for ad- 
venture and for discovery; her clear, logical thinking and expression; 
her passion for social justice and for righteousness. 

BE IT RESOLVED that, we, who have been thus blessed by her 
friendship and enriched by her companionship, take high courage from 
her to carry on the torch of true life that her hands have held steadily 
aloft all the years of her brief yet full and zestful earthly life, and that 
we keep forever fresh the memory of her inspiring and joyous nature. 

Lena C. Van Bibber. 
8 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Mozart 

By Marcia Davenport 

IN this biography, Marcia Davenport has set forth a living Mozart, 
the acquaintance with whom gives a human touch to his immortal 
music. Through perusal of letters (which are generously printed) 
and memoires of contemporaries, the author has created a record of a 
great master whom we follow to Germany, France and Italy; and, in 
doing so, gain intimate glimpses of the life, customs and general con- 
ditions of the times. For example, a reader, knowing the medical at- 
tainments of the present age feels the part of a helpless bystander when 
a quack doctor prescribes — for Mamma Mozart who lies feverish and 
dying in a fly infested, ill smelling room, only wine and rhubarb pow- 
der. 

The story is woven into a swinging pattern through the supple- 
mentation of the author's imagination, but not once does the text 
seem to overstep; giving an authentic picture of a man and his times. 
Miss Davenport undoubtedly has a keen insight into human person- 
ality and an accurate historical background to present so vivid a pic- 
ture of Mamma Mozart saying good-bye to her husband and children 
who are bound for Munich. 

"Mama bustled downstairs loaded with rugs and blankets, fol- 
lowing the excited children. Leopold in tricorn and great-coat, stood 
aside while she bundled them into their places along with packages of 
food, and flasks of nourishing drinks. She wrapped up their throats, 
admonishing Nannerl to take good care of Wolferl, to see that he eats 
nothing "schrecklich" — 

. . . She gave each child a big brisk hug and a kiss on both cheeks, 
backed out of the coach, and embraced Papa in farewell. He sprang in, 
the door slammed, the step was folded, the postillion's whip cracked 
like a shot gun. Mama retreated into the doorway to escape the flying 
slush, waving her apron at the two little faces pressed against the 
back pane as the coach turned and lurched away." 

There are sufficient reproductions of contemporary artists to ac- 
quaint the reader still farther with the appearance of the most im- 
portant characters as well as excerpts from Mozart's score which merely 
invited my wonderment. 

The biography is stated in chronological order, the dates at the 
chapter heading facilitating the tying up of the events of the period 
with contemporary conditions elsewhere in Europe and in Colonial 
America. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Mozart is seen throughout as a genius of uncanny abilities; the 
first indications are observed when he, but four years old, is found con- 
centrating abnormally on a minuet which in half an hour would be 
mastered. I experienced strange sensations of joy, wonderment and 
adoration as I read — when at this tender age, Mozart is found busy 
with pen and ink — "writing a concerto — ; it will soon be done," 
smearing away the blots with the palm of his tiny, plump hand — on 
what his father was soon to discover to be not only a concerto — but 
one so difficult that no one could possibly play it. 

Leopold, Mozart's father, was indeed through his instruction and 
encouragement, instrumental in the development of a great genius, but 
his false ambition, bigotry and material greed — did the most to wreck 
it. 

The boy and his sister Nannerl were taken on long concert tours 
throughout the continent, whereby (he) received overwhelming rec- 
ognition, which was to wane upon subsequent solicitation. 

Grimm, a sponsor of Mozart, in a letter to Leopold, best des- 
cribes the reason for Mozart's lack of material success. . . . "He is too 
sincere, not active enough, too susceptible to illusions, too little 
aware of the means of achieving success. Here, in order to succeed, one 
must be artful, enterprising, and bold; for the sake of his fortunes I 
could wish he had less talent, and twice as much of the qualities I have 
described, and I would be less embarrassed for him." 

After a heart-breaking experience with a worthless young girl, 
Mozart, thinking the convenience of a home and wife — especially 
since his mother's death — necessary to him, he married the worth- 
less one's sister, Constanze, for whom he had no spiritual love but 
rather a supreme devotion and camaraderie. Despite the fact that her 
life and his were overwhelmed with bills for infant funerals, his work 
created during their married life is undoubtedly the greatest. It was 
during this period that the famous Figaro and Don Giovanni were 
composed. 

Constanze was not all that could be desired as a wife, mother and 
housekeeper, yet her pleasing disposition and the fact that she was one 
of the few eligible socially — made her an excellent companion for the 
composer. Mozart's social class was an unusual one since he was above 
the artisan yet beneath the gentry. His profession facilitated his con- 
nection with royalty and society and therefore he was always dressed 
befitting such possible situations. 

Notwithstanding the fact that he was extolled in Munich, and 
Prague as a composer — and in Vienna as a concert pianist, due to court 
intrigues he was unable to secure a permanent position as court musi- 
cian until late in his brief life. This position netted him very little 
materially and served only to lessen his professional standing. Hence 



10 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



it was necessary for Mozart to live by teaching (a degrading vocation) 
and by composing prolifically for his patrons in society. 

Withal Mozart had at times a remarkably light-hearted nature and 
was particularly fond of dancing, drinking and having gay times with 
the ladies. He was prone, however, to put off his copying work until 
the last minute, and as a result, we see him at one time writing an over- 
ture which was already composed in his mind, with Constanze sitting 
beside him in order to keep him awake with silly prattle. 

The constant strain under which Mozart lived finally told upon 
him and a disease, which, had he been in normal health he might 
have thrown off, took hold of him, terminated the life of a man whose 
music was to become immortal. 



Reading this biography was a soul reaching experience for me, 
now the Eine Kline Nochtsmusik — The Sonata VII (that I love, yet 
murder so terribly) mean even more — for I feel an identification with 
their immortal composer — Mozart. 

Mary Stewart Lewis Sr., Sp. 

Canton 

It is dusk in the slushy 

moonlit streets of Canton 
And the curving car rails 

gleam uncertainly. 
Men merge their weary breaths 
Into the muddled air 
And trudge the sidewalks 

heavily. 
A soft white blurs the dark 

of housetops 
As the boat calls muff 

the grind of brakes. 
The fruit shops show 

their gold but haltingly 
In dingy windows; 
And women with large hips 
Come out to call their 

youngsters home to supper. 
And cuff them affectionately 
With kind red hands. 

Marguerite Simmons, '34. 

11 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



T 



Musical Notes 

HE "piano" in Washington's drawing room at Mount Vernon is 
a harpsichord. It cost $1,000. Washington gave it to Nellie 
Custis, his adopted daughter. 

No one is positive of the origin of either "Yankee Doodle" or 
"America." 

Thomas Britton, an English "cultivated coal heaver" of the 
eighteenth century, held musical concerts in his home (originally a 
stable), that were attended by people of nobility. Here is an example 
of music's power to break down social barriers. 

An old poster tells us that there was a "Jew's Harp Club" in 
Salem, Mass. (1816), which attempted such numbers as Handel's "Hal- 
lelujah Chorus" from his "Messiah." 

Franz Joseph Haydn lost his head after his death. There is good 
reason to believe that, after travelling over most of Europe in an in- 
teresting though gruesome chase, the old master's head now rests in a 
museum of anatomy in Vienna. 

Did you know that negro spirituals are of white origin? That's 
what Dr. George P. Jackson of Vanderbilt University says. 

While we are on this topic, we musn't ignore the "movies." Lon 
Chaney, "the man of a thousand faces," was a gifted musician and 
orchestra leader. Buck Jones is quite a performer at the piano, and has 
taught this instrument to his wife and daughter. Lawrence Tibbett 
was not good enough to make his school's glee club; some progress, 
Mr. Tibbett! 

Musical instruments assume many and varied proportions. John 
Seeley, 18, made a violin an inch and a half long, that can be played. 
The seventy-two bells of the carillon of Riverside Church, New York, 
in contrast, weigh one hundred forty tons (the largest bell alone weighs 
forty thousand two hundred ninety-six pounds). Then there's the new 
"bump jass bass" — an instrument which seems to be a cross between a 
floor lamp, a banjo, a "bass-fiddle," and a one-stringed Chinese lute. 

There is only one contra-bass clarinet in this country, and not a 
great number of full-sized bass viols. 

The folk tunes of countries reflect their geography. 

E. McCubbin, Sr. III. 

12 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Bronson Alcott — the Educator 

A MOS BRONSON ALCOTT was a self-educated man, having re- 

/"A ceived an abbreviated course in common schools and academies 

■*■ *-of New England. In 1813 he took up the itinerant occupation of 

Eeddler of small wares and subcription books, which occupation took 
im to many states of the Union. He began his career as teacher in Con- 
necticut in 1823. His school at Cheshire soon attracted widespread at- 
tention on account of the improvements he made. Single desks were 
substituted for the long benches, double and three seated desks. The 

fmpils were provided with slates, pencils and blackboards. A school 
ibrary was established and light gymnasium exercises introduced. 
The children were encouraged to keep diaries and to make collections 
of common objects. Bronson Alcott broke away from the rule of se- 
vere and indiscriminate punishments, and substituted appeals to the 
affections and moral sentiments of the children. Concerning his course 
of study he wrote, "It is adapted professedly to the wants and genius of 
the young mind; it refers to children, and it insists that children are the 
best judges of what meets their wants and feelings." 

His scheme of moral training was the most rational and elaborate 
in the annals of early American education. Equally important was the 
scheme of physical training. It aimed to train the physical powers in 
relation to the practical uses of life. It provided special exercises for 
the eye, the ear, and the voice, with emphasis upon such games as 
balancing, jumping, hopping, swinging and running. 

His principles of intellectual education may be briefly summar- 
ized as follows: follow nature; employ the known to induce the un- 
known; teach by visible and tangible objects, by oral, illustrative 
and familiar methods; bring all of the powers of the mind into har- 
monious development and exercise; prepare the mind to investigate 
for itself; make experiments the test of theory and basis of fact; con- 
sult the minds, genius, and habits of the pupils; furnish constant em- 
ployment. 

The school was open in the evenings for story-telling, plays and 
games. Self-government was a notable feature of the Cheshire experi- 
ment. A superintendent, a recorder, a librarian, and a conservator — 
selected from the school members — cooperated with the teacher. 

Reforms so pronounced were not to pass unchallenged, and A. Bron- 
son Alcott met with endless opposition, not only from his patrons 
but from his colleagues. In 1828 he went to Boston, where he opened an 
infant school and published his "Observations on the Principles and 
Methods of Infant Instruction" which in some respects was an ex- 
position of the Pestalozzian method. He was called to Philadelphia in 

13 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



1930 to accept a position in a private school conducted by William 
Russell and four years later returned to Boston and opened the famous 
Temple School. In the school he repeated the experiments of the Chesh- 
ire school, and introduced innovations which shocked the pedagogic 
repose of his conservative contemporaries. He had as assistant teachers 
in the Temple School two women who later became distinguished in 
American education and letters : Elizabeth Palmer Peabody and Sarah 
Margaret Fuller. Miss Peabody 's book "Record of Mr. Alcott's ex- 
emplifying the Principles of Moral Culture" gives an admirable pen 
picture of the Temple School. Bronson Alcott's daughter Louisa May 
Alcott in her book ' 'Little Men' ' utilized many of the incidents of the 
experiment in her imaginary Plumfield School. 

In 1836 Mr. Alcott published the first volume of his "Conver- 
sations with Children on the Gospels," and a year later the second 
volume appeared. These books met with a storm of criticism from the 
ultra-orthodox which ultimately caused the downfall of his school. 
The Boston experiment met the hearty approval of such well-known 
educational leaders as Horace Mann, Henry Barnard, Thomas H. Gal- 
laudet, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Walter R. Johnson and William Ellery 
Channing; the opposition from conservative and traditional schoolmen 
ruined the financial support of the school, and it had to be given up in 
1839. 

Harriet Martineau, after her return to England from America in 
1837, published what she intended to be a caricature of the Temple 
School. It came to the attention of James Pierrepont Greaves, an Eng- 
lish philanthropist and former associate of Pestalozzi. He saw in her 
burlesque the genuine Pestalozzian spirit and method, and at once be- 
gan a correspondence with Bronson Alcott. He pronounced him the 
true successor of the Swiss reformer. An English Pestalozzian school 
which Greaves was organizing at Ham was named the Alcott House, 
in honor of the American teacher. 

The last fifty years of his life Alcott devoted to the study and 
teaching of philosophy. He is known as one of the founders of the 
transcendental school of philosophy. The transcendental school of 
philosophy is a reaction against Puritan prejudices, old-fashioned 
metaphysics and Philistinism. Alcott's contributions to the liter- 
ature of education may be found in the ' 'American Journal of Educa- 
tion" (1826-1831) the "American Annals of Education" (1831-1837) 
and the early volumes of the American Institute of Instruction. During 
his closing years he took an active part in the conduct of the Concord 
School of Philosophy. Bronson Alcott, a man who contributed much 
to American education, died in Concord, Mass., March 4, 1888. 

Nancy Burke, Sr. Sp. 
14 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



"Java Head" 

By Joseph Hergesheimer 
THEME: The difficulties of adaptation that are necessary when the 
son of a staid New England family marries a Chinese wife. 

REACTION: This book was, no doubt, more colorful and dramatic 
when it was first written. To the present-day reader it appears decid- 
edly "dated." There are vivid surface impressions — a little too the- 
atrical, perhaps — of the sleepy town of Salem, Mass., in the early nine- 
teenth century, of the exotic Taou Yuen, the Chinese wife of Gerritt 
Ammidon, and brilliant suggestions of the romance of Far Eastern 
trade. Yet all this is inadequately held together by a weak plot and by 
a certain feeling that one has of Mr. Hergesheimer's setting out to do 
more than he achieves in the book. This may be due to the artificiality 
of the settings and situations, as well as to the rather trite philosophy 
which meanders throughout "Java Head." 

Margery Willis, Senior Special. 



gy^jBLdga 



"She Strives to Conquer" 

By Frances Maule 

"She Strives to Conquer" by Frances Maule is one of the new 
books in the library which is in great demand. 

This book concerns itself primarily with business behavior, op- 
portunities and job requirements for women. It tells what is and what 
is not "the thing to do" according to present day requirements in the 
business world. You may easily apply such chapters as "Dressing 
The Part," "What Do They Mean! Personality?" and "Are You Fit 
For Your Job?' ' to yourself as a prospective teacher. 

"She Strives To Conquer" may raise your standards of efficiency 
in either the business or professional world and will provide food for 
serious thought. 

Mildred Lumm, Junior V. 

15 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



A Prophecy 

Your children are not your children. 

They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself. 

They come through you but not from you. 

And though they are with you they belong not to you. 

You may give them your love but not your thoughts, 

For they have their own thoughts. 

You may house their bodies but not their souls. 

For their souls dwell In the house of tomorrow, which you cannot 

visit, not even in your dreams. 
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you. 
For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday. 

Kahxil Gibran, "The Prophet." 

"In Loco Parentis" 1929; Henry Watson Children's Aid Society of 
Baltimore. 

How Prettyboy Dam Received Its Name 

A FARMER who lived in the northern part of Baltimore County 
owned a colt. The colt was a very beautiful animal, therefore 
was called Prettyboy. Prettyboy had the run of the place and 
one day wandered off and failed to return. His owner grew uneasy and 
started to search. The search ended the next morning at the place 
where a small stream emptied into the Gunpowder. Here the farmer 
visualized the tragedy that had happened. Prettyboy had wandered 
down to the stream to get a drink and had been caught in the wire and 
drowned. The farmer to the end of his days nursed his grief and re- 
turned again and again to the scene of his loss until everyone in that 
section called the stream Prettyboy. Legends are told about Pretty- 
boy. Some say the frightened neigh of Prettyboy can be heard in the 
valley. Others say that at a certain phase of the moon the shadowy 
form of the unfortunate colt can be seen galloping over the marsh along 
the stream which snuffed out his life. 

Baltimore City decided to send engineers to the hills of Devil's 
Backbone to select a dam site for increasing the city's water supply. 
They selected the site where the Prettyboy Brook babbled into the 
Gunpowder. The now completed dam holds 20,000,000,000 gallons of 
water. What a memorial it will be to the colt that was lost in the 
stream and whose spirit plays over the hill at midnight! 

Jean Miller, Fr. VI. 

16 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Five Qualities of a Good Teacher 

Rollo G. Reynolds, principal of the Horace Mann School, Co- 
lumbia University, asserts that all the qualities necessary in a good 
teacher are not known by any one principal, but there are funda- 
mental qualities which are essential and which the wise principal 
seeks in his teachers. 

According to Mr. Reynolds, the most important of these are: 
First — Devotion to and belief in the process or education; Second — 
Creative imagination; Third — An open mind; Fourth — Broad and 
deep interests; Fifth — A zest for living — a joyousness in life. 

The principal who can satisfy him or herself that his teachers 
have these qualities developed to a high degree, and want nothing 
so much as to discover and develop the educable possibilities in 
children, has the faculty material of which a great school is made. 

In extending his views, Mr. Reynolds has offered a challenge to 
the normal schools and teachers' colleges in the country, one that all 
prospective teachers should accept and make their goal. 

Florence C. Morat. 



essjgL^ffs 



Spring 

Lo, the pussy willow 
Swaying in the breeze, 
A soft, gray pussy willow 
An early sign of spring. 

See, the golden jonquil! 
On slender green stem rests? 
A fresh awakened jonquil 
An early sign of spring. 

Behold, a purple violet 
Nestled close furled leaves 
A velvet, dew-brushed violet 
An early sign of spring. 

A. Wilhem. 
17 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Assemblies 

MRS. BROUWER: 

Mrs. Brouwer introduced us to a character from one of E. H. 
Young's books; a genius, who never learned to make adjustments and 
therefore went miserably through life, complaining that "nobody 
told him anything." Perhaps, if he had been alert, he could have 
found for himself, things that are lovely which would have made him 
happy. 

We should atune ourselves to the beauty around us, beauty in 
music, in nature and in the written word. We must open our own eyes 
before we go out to open the eyes of children. 

DR. BAMBERGER: 

"Education and Social Progress" was the theme of Dr. Bam- 
berger's address. From the beginnings of time up until the present, 
man has been acquiring knowledge. This knowledge is the heritage 
of the people of today and must be transmitted to the children of the 
schools. It is, of course, the teacher's place to convey this heritage. 
The two things for which knowledge is useful, are: to give factual 
material to the child; to aid the child for the purpose of interpreting 
these facts. 

The criteria for judging if the educational system is functioning 
for the betterment of society are: 

1. Larger, and more effective peace groups. 

2. Higher levels of health. 

3. In our democracy, there will be a steady decrease of corrup- 
tion in public affairs, special privileges for certain classes, and 
of prejudices. 

4. We shall have no slums. 

5. We shall have greater creative work. 

6. We shall have social insurance. 

The schools are related to this criteria in that they are a stabi- 
lizing influence and help to establish the ideal of good workmanship. 
The teacher's responsibility, in the educational field is the interpre- 
tation of projects and activities and so passing on the heritage. 

MISS SIMPSON: 

What are you looking for in school? 

What are you doing to attain your desire? 

To be educated includes being well informed socially. Teachers 
need a broad outlook on life, and the Maryland State Normal School 
attempts to provide for cultural broadening. 

18 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Certain qualities of educated men and women arc: 

1. Deep abiding interests. 

2. Less deep, more varied interests. 

3. Adaptability to social conditions. 

4. Intellectual independence. 

MR. LeCOMPTE: 

Birds have an economic as well as an aesthetic value in our lives. 
They keep down harmful weeds and eat harmful insects. Many far- 
mers have destroyed the habitats of birds by burning dead trees or de- 
stroying old stumps, (which were to the birds ideal homes) or have 
allowed hunters to destroy helpful birds. This has caused a decrease 
of certain species. The increase of wild bird life is checked by para- 
sites, diseases, weather conditions and hunters. An increase can be 
accomplished by good environment for homes, feeding the birds in 
the winter, establishing bird baths and boxes, and planting certain 
kinds of trees, low shrubs and vines. The "red menace" of the birds, 
or fire, destroys acres of trees each year, and effective as well as pre- 
ventive means of doing away with this menace would undoubtedly 
increase the wild bird life of our country. 

MISS BROWN: 

Today for the first time man has sufficient leisure time to improve 
himself and develop his interests. Many such activities are carried on 
in the home, but there is a decided tendency for people to get out-of- 
doors. 

Nature widens the appreciation of man's relation to his environ- 
ment, and millions seek hiking, camping and mountain climbing as 
their leisure activities. 

Bear Mountain Park, easily accessible to both New York and 
New Jersey, has an educational program planned for nature seekers. 
There are nature trails, "open-air" museums, in which to study na- 
ture in its true setting, as well as ponds and exhibits along the trails. 
Many states have begun to develop this idea of recreational education. 
Maryland has several State Conservation and Game Farms. 

Every school is near some beauty spot and the Normal School 
Campus is especially beautiful. The Normal students, faculty and 
Campus School have all contributed to making the grounds lovely. 
Let us all begin to see and identify the plants and trees so near to us. 

19 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Tower Light 

Published monthly by the students of the Maryland State 
Normal School at Towson 

STUDENT EDITORS 
Editor Managing Editor 

Mary-Stewart Lewis Mary Douglas 

Business Manager 
Earl Palmer 

Circulation Managers Advertising Managers 

Mary B. Yeager Elsie Meiners 

Irene Shank Justus Meyer 

Dorothea Stinchcomb Betty Rust 
Jeanette Mathias 

DEPARTMENT EDITORS 

Assembly Athletics General Literature 

Ruth Keir Theodore Woronka Edward Turner 

Helene Ziegler Fairfax Brooke 

Poetry Social Secretarial Staff 

Herman Bainder Mary Bucher Hilda Farbman 

Elizabeth Goodhand Dorothy Gonce 

Science Eulalie Smith 
Edith Waxman Musk 

Library Sarena Fried Humor 

Ruth Hale Gene Benbow 

$1.50 per year 20 cents per copy 

Alice Munn, Faculty Adviser 



GSZbJ&^ZFb 



Dr. Henry M. Fitzhugh 

IN the death of Dr. Henry M. Fitzhugh, not only Carroll County but 
the State of Maryland has sustained a great loss. As a citizen, he was 
most outstanding; as a banker, most reliable; as a public servant, 
most sacrificing; as a physician, most eminent; and as a friend, most 

20 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



loyal, sincere and true. His interests were varied and many, and ex- 
tended from local to State, from Florida to Michigan. He knew liter- 
ature, history, science, business, finance, education and medicine, and 
was an authority in all of them. His sense of humor was so pronounced 
that his sayings and amusing quips have become a part of the folk lore 
of Carroll County. 

His friendship was something to be cherished, and its range ex- 
tended from the lowliest to the highest in the community and the 
State. For the ones he loved nothing was too much for him to under- 
take, and his reward in most cases consisted only in the confidence and 
appreciation these had for him. He has left a host of friends, who 
mourn his removal from our midst, and Carroll County has lost its 
most distinguished citizen. 

Maurice S. H. Unger, 
Superintendent of Carroll County. 



(S^O^^ 



Why Make Youth War-Minded ? 

LATELY, I have been thinking a great deal about the results of the 
military training of college students. Peaceful, law-abiding, civil- 
■ ized, youths who are desirous of gaining higher knowledge in our 
American universities must accept military training in order to get 
the subjects they want. Instead or educating them in subjects that are 
befitting a gentleman, they are taught methods of war and we know 
that what youth is trained to do and whatever they are prepared for, 
they want to make use of. They are taught methods of war, their spirit 
is aroused for fighting, their thoughts run in a military trend and time 
that they could spend in study is used almost daily for drilling and 
learning how to use instruments of war. Hour after hour is spent in 
cleaning their guns and caring for their military equipment. During 
this time these young men are not supposed to heed the blood-thirsty 
instinct that is in all men; they are to concentrate on brotherhood and 
peace. Where are the psychologists and where is the American com- 
mon sense? Those boys wearing the R. O. T. C. uniforms and other mil- 
itary outfits who train and prepare for war are going to want to try 
their skill. They are not going to forget what they have been trained 
to do; they have not made themselves "shot alert" and aim conscious; 
they have not marched and tramped up and down fields until they were 

21 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



exhausted and foot weary, all for naught. And yet the public criti- 
cizes and blames "these young 'reds' who do not know what war means!" 
Wouldn't it be more sensible to educate the future backbone of the na- 
tion in political finesse and peace inspiring activities? Why not instruct 
them more fully in ways and means of bettering and stabilizing our 
own government? Why not teach them how to handle international 
affairs tactfully? Surely, peace is what the nation wants but cannot 
obtain while youth is taught war maneuvers. Let us strive to see into 
the future and save our men, our country, and our peace. Let us allow 
the youth to enter college and pursue knowledge that builds nations 
not with soldiering and war. Most of all, let us help youth to love 
peace and preserve it. 

Helene M. White, Freshman TV. 



<5£zzJ£>^££% 



My Heart Was Crying 

Under a new day's sun, 
Brave in its blue-gold birth, 
My heart was crying. 

Under a moon-cloud sky, 
Paled by a frost-white wind, 
My heart was crying. 

Surely they did not guess 
The people I knew that day — 
That my heart was crying. 

Surely they could not know — 
I went the usual way — 
My heart was crying. 

Only the Father of Heaven 
Looked at my heart below 
And felt its crying. 

Only the Love of Heaven 
Can kindly and sweetly flow 
And quiet a heart's soft crying. 

22 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



You 

You are here. 

The world is peaceful, and 

My heart's at rest. 
I feel your presence 

And am comforted 

By your quieting words. 

You are gone 

The world is black, and 

There is no peace. 
But still I heed your voice 

Saying, "Love long 

I am not gone to you." 

Why? 

Why must we take the turns of life so hard, 

They followeth sure as does the night and day. 

Yet we can't but feel our happiness jarred, 

When the hand of the Lord upon his child does lay. 

We thank the God for helping us to know 

A person who has given us such cheerful aid. 

We thank thee for the times that we have, 
In some small way repaid. 

E. Goodhand, Senior IV. 

Early Morning 

Have you ever risen in the young hours of the morning, and from 
your open window watched day break? The thin, gray sky hangs low. 
A mystifying silence pervades and the air is filled with an awe inspiring 
quiet. Then, through this stillness, the faint whispering of stirring 
birds is heard. Their far murmurings herald the day. Even as you 
watch, the sky becomes lighter. In a nearby house a light is flashed 
and figures hurry back and forth against the lighter framework. The 
odor of smoke finds its way to your window as a furnace is coaxed to 
life. Just as a faint glow of pink rims the horizon, a savory breakfast 
bids you hurry. Early morn has become daybreak. 

F. F. 

23 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Physiological Effects of Exercise 

THE two problems of greatest importance in regard to exercise 
from the point of view of hygiene are (1) what is the value of reg- 
ular systematic exercise and (2) is very strenuous and exhaustive 
exercise dangerous? These problems will be discussed on the basis of 
experimental evidence. 

Although there is a universal opinion that regular exercise is of 
benefit to health there is no experimental or statistical evidence to 
prove that regular systematic exercise will prolong life or protect the 
person against degenerative or infectious diseases. There is, however, 
abundant evidence to show that it will lead to a more efficient con- 
dition of the body in the sense that the person is more capable of work 
and better able to withstand exhaustion. A person who has taken ex- 
ercise regularly differs from the person who has led a sedentary life in 
the following respects (1) the skeletal muscles are larger, stronger, and 
have increased tone; (2) there is better coordination of movements with 
less waste energy; (3) there is a greater reserve power of the heart. The 
heart beats more slowly at rest and responds to exercise with less in- 
crease in pulse rate but with a greater output per beat; (4) the vital 
capacity of the lungs is increased. 

Many persons believe that very exhaustive exercise may cause 
some permanent damage to the heart and that when a person is "tired 
out" they are more susceptible to infections such as the common cold. 
The modern point of view with regard to the heart is that in young 
people with normal circulatory systems severe exercise is not injurious 
to the heart. This however is not true in cases where there are pre- 
existing pathological changes in the circulatory system or in older 
persons when senile changes may be present. It is true that the heart 
may become larger with training just as the skeletal muscles increase 
in size and it is also true that during the exercise the heart is probably 
dilated due to the greater venous inflow but these are at present con- 
sidered physiological adjustments to the needs of the body and not as 
evidences of or leading to pathological damage. With regard to the 
effect of exhaustive exercise on resistance most of the experimental 
work on animals indicates that animals fatigued to exhaustion are 
slightly more susceptible to infections than similar control animals 
especially if the infection is already present before the exhausting ex- 
ercise. Statistical data on sickness rates in heavy industries tends to 
confirm this but this type of evidence is of extremely questionable value 
because there are many other factors in addition to the muscular fa- 
tigue which are much more closely related to the sickness rates. At- 

24 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



tempts to show the antibodies which play such an important part in 
resistance are lowered with severe exercise have yielded very contra- 
dictory results. We know as yet so little about resistance that it is 
difficult to prove whether or not such factors as exercise have any 
influence. 

Anna M. Baetjer, 
Assistant in Physiology, Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene. 



(SS^J&^tt 



Who's Who in Good Posture 

TUDGING posture is far from easy. Posture changes from moment to 
moment depending upon many factors: mood, freshness, circum- 
stances. Habit, however, seems to be a very important factor. In 
watching the Normal School students we have found that some people 
always walk and stand rather well, even when they are at their worst. 
We have noticed also that the women students seem to make more effort 
to maintain good posture than do the men students. 

We have observed each of the following students at least five times ' 
and on every occasion they have passed the test. There were others on 
our list, whom we had to cross off on second, third, or later observa- 
tion. Do you agree with this list? If not, whom do you nominate? 



Seniors 
Eleanor Bounds 
Bertha Karpa 
Jane Jacques 
Portia Crapster 
Emily Ross 
Olga Swann 
Adelaide Tober 
Mary Jacques 
Eleanor Sterbak 
Mildred Heuisler 
Irma La Sage 
Donald Schwanebeck 



Juniors 
Blanche Mueller 
Mollie Kries 
Doris Langeluttig 
Marguerite Schorr 
Doris Pramschufer 
Madeline Smith 
Catherine Rine 
Doris Middleton 
Hazel Albers 
Mary Wilhelm 
Betty Straining 



Freshmen 
Anna Stidman 
Nancy Birmingham 
Alice Zerbola 
Eileen McHale 
Doris Shipley 
Katherine Hanson 
Pauline Mueller 
June Dousha 
Rebecca Howard 
Walter Ubersax 
Leonard Wolfe 



25 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Midnight 

The breath of night pulses slow. 

A clock ticks undaunted thru slumber hours. 

My house hunches alone at the end of the shadowed lane. 

I cannot see thru the blackness that is the night 

But I know my window sits across on the wall. 

Thru the window and out to the yard, 

My eyes lead to a shadowed hill 

Where the wheat grows deep 

And rustles and sighs 

As the night wind glides. 

The birds have tired of song 

But a rooster in a hurry 

Bursts into hoarse alarm. 

When the noise is done the night shuts in 

And its quietness drowns all sound. 

With the weird dreams of midnight, 

I think — could the frogs have drowned in the pond? 

I cannot hear their deep chugging in the woods. 

But my bed is warm 

And the clock is my companion. 

My eyes are weary — trying to pierce the dark. 

I know night is for sleep 



e&zj&^SS 



A Promise 

"Black was earth for many a day, 

Snows and tempest whirled and whirled, 

Now the flowers are on their way; 
April's coming down the world. 

Joy went by on broken wing, 

All the leaves were dead and curled. 

Now the dreams begin to sing; 

April's coming down the world." 



16 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Social Calender — February 

One heard the soft, sweet strumming of music, that kept time 
with the rhythmic pulsations of dancers, floating amid hearts, cupids 
and arrows. It was the Junior Benefit dance; the clever Juniors with 
whom we are all acquainted. We Seniors and Freshmen surely want to 
congratulate you on your huge success, and a most delightful four 
hours. 

Monday, February eighteenth marked the day, long anticipated by 
faculty and student body. It was the annual tea given by Dr. Tall and 
Miss Sperry at "Glen Esk," where students and teachers intermingle 
and share confidences between delightful music and sips of tea. We 
thank you for a most enjoyable afternoon. 

Elizabeth Goodhand, Senior VI. 



tfC^S&^d 



Faculty Notes 



MISS TALL and several other members of the faculty attended 
the meetings of the National Education Association in At- 
lantic City. Miss Tall presided at one of the group meetings, 
and also had a part in the forum discussion held. Among the others 
who attended all or part of the meetings were Miss Brown, Miss Treut, 
Miss Jones, Miss Tansil, Miss Woodward, Miss Rutledge, and Miss 
Birdsong. 

Mrs. Stapleton and Miss Prickett went to the meetings of the Pro- 
gressive Education Association in Washington. Mrs. Stapleton spoke 
on the use of puppets in school. 

Mr. Walther spent February 26th and 27th in St. Mary's County, 
where he was the speaker at a meeting of the county teachers. 

Would you believe it if we told you that Miss Scarborough forgot 
to "carry" a nine? We have heard that it is so. 

It is said on good authority that Miss Keys bakes excellent mince 
pies. 

Miss Daniels recently appeared wearing her "opera" glasses with 
her gym clothes. The Special Seniors induced her to make this change. 

It is recommended that Miss Weyforth spend more time practicing 
folk dancing, so that next year she will be able to keep up with the 
music. 

27 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



A Winter Carnival 

"My, I'm glad I got to go to this birthday party!" This was 
what the resident girls said after the November-December-January- 
February birthday affair. The faculty guests having birthdays these 
months numbered eight. The party represented a winter carnival at 
which many goodies were eaten amid snow branches (white-washed 
sticks). After dinner came the "ski jumps" — (the skis barrel staves). 
Indeed even Miss Rutledge agreed it isn't so easy to ski. An honest- 
to-goodness ice hockey game then took place in the foyer, in which 
Miss Roach proved to be the star. Later, the benches of the foyer 
were turned into forts and newspaper snowballs began flying in every 
direction. The grand finale of the evening was a taffy-pull. Here 
sticky fingers became the height of fashion. 

M. Bucher. 

Child Study Group Program 

Topic V. Education for Tolerance. 

Social and political intolerance. 

Race prejudice. 

Religion and the present generation. 

March 13, 1935 — Discussion Meeting Based on Book Reviews of Read- 
ings on Topic V, led by Mrs. James Wood Tyson. 

March 27, 1935— Talk on Topic V by Dr. Raymond P. Hawes. 

April 10, 1935— Business Meeting. 

Nellie Birdsong, Leader, 
Kathryn H. Johnson, Chairman. 

Alumna Deceased 

MissTeny Mae Horst, a graduate of Towson Normal School in '28, 
died February ninth at Johns Hopkins Hospital, of meningitis, fol- 
lowing an operation. Miss Horst was a most efficient teacher in the 
Surrey school of Hagerstown. Her scholarship and fine character was 
recognized by her election to the honorary societies of the Normal 
School and the Johns Hopkins University. Profound grief from both 
faculty and friends is expressed for our great loss. 

28 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Basketball Slants 

ON Monday night, February 18, the Athletic Association enter- 
tained 6 teams of girls at dinner in the dormitory. After a most 
enjoyable repast and excellent inpromptu speeches by Miss 
Daniels and Miss Roach the teams adjourned to the dressing room and 
then to the gym. All three of the games were interesting and were 
characterized by the cheering from the side-lines. Both or the Fresh- 
man teams were victorious and as the Seniors won only one game and 
the Juniors none, the Championship went to the Freshies. 
The line-up and scores of the games were as follows : 



Senior B 




Freshmen A 


Stanley 


F. 


Naylor 


McCall 


F. 


Kroll and Howeth 


Fastie 


C. 


Shipley 


Waxman 


S. C. 


Cissel; Taylor 


Bollinger 


G. 


Miller; Clark 


Heuisler 


G. 


Stidman; Hoddinott 


Score : 


Freshmen 32; 


Seniors 12 


Junior B 




Freshman B 


Smith 


F. 


Mueller 


Boone 


F. 


Dousha; Goldstein 


Ayres 


C. 


Muller 


Yenkinson 


s. c. 


Parsley; Birmingham 


Middleton 


G. 


Jones; Mclntyre 


Dayette 


G. 


Downey; Hanson 


Score : 


Freshmen 27; Juniors 11 


Senior A 




Junior A 


Thomas 


F. 


Rine 


Eckstein 


F. 


Stevens 


Brooke 


C. 


Straining 


Cook 


S. C. 


Merryman 


Lowe 


G. 


Chaney 


Muller 


G. 


Yoder 



Score: Seniors 60; Juniors 7. 
Although the Freshies have won the Championship, the Senior 
team that was victorious has challenged them to a game to be played 
February 28. While Championship is not at stake, the game will give 
the Seniors an opportunity to play the Freshmen and it should be an 
excellent game. 

Fairfax Brooke, Senior II. 



29 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



More Musical Notes 

The composer Handel had a fine method to keep temperamental 
singers in their places. A famous contemporary soprano, Cuzzoni, was 
to sing in one of his operas. On the night of the performance, she re- 
fused to go on. Handel minced no words. He picked her up, held her 
out the window, and threatened to drop her unless she promised to 
sing. She sang. 

Lucrezia Agujari, probably the highest soprano of all time, could 
reach F in the altissimo octave (that is, the highest F on the piano). 
High sopranos strut if they can reach tones over an octave below 
Agujari's maximum range. Mozart says that her tone quality was good 
on these high notes also. 

Elson says, "It is well to get past the days of stage fright, but 
a due amount of nervousness is not at all bad if it keeps the singer 
eager to do his best possible work." 

Mendlessohn was born Jewish. He later became a Christian, and 
at the same time (for no apparent reason) added his mother's maiden 
name to his: Mendlessohn-Bartholdy. 

Professor Karel Absolon of Bruno University found what is prob- 
ably the oldest musical instrument known. It is a 30,000-year-old lion's 
tooth made into a signal pipe to sound the tones G and D. These tones 
can still be played perfectly. 

The many thrills, grace-notes, and other embellishments, charac- 
teristic of the eighteenth century had another reason for existing be- 
sides their decorative effect. Neither the harpsichord nor the clavichord 
could sustain notes for any length of time. 

Before Bach's time the thumb was not used in piano-playing. 

J. E. MacCubbin, Sr. III. 

The Landing of the Colonists 

The colonists landed in Maryland, Our State. 
Sixteen thirty-four was the landing date. 
The Arc was the boat, and the Dove, its mate. 
At last they had reached Maryland's gate. 

They had sailed on oceans, they had sailed on seas, 
And now were in the midst of wilderness and trees. 
The cross was put up, and on their kness they knelt 
And told to the Lord how thankful they felt. 

Dorothy Scheerer, 
jA 1 , School No. 231 (Brehms Lane). 

30 



It pays to stop at the 
511 York Road Opposite Motion Picture Theatre 

Apparel of ®zbU for tlj* Mmnatt Ufa (Earea 

The Uptown Store with the Downtown Prices 



You Will Enjoy Our 

SUNDAES and SODAS 

Arundel 

Ice Cream Shoppe 

420 York Road Towson, Md. 

We Deliver at Any Time 

Just Phone Towson 73 



HORN'S 
SUPREME ICE CREAM 

Good All Ways-ALWA YS 
MICROSCOPES 

ALL TYPES AND SIZES 

For Elementary or Advanced Research 

Also Remodeling and Repairing 

ALLAN UHLER 

Optical Works 

200 East 22nd Street Chesapeake 0655 

Phone Towson 905 

The Penn Hotel 

Conveniently located at 

15 West Pennsylvania Ave. 

TOWSON, MD. 

Delicious Meals • Large Rooms 

Homelike Atmosphere 

Excellent Service 

DANCING PARKING SPACE 

You Won't Want To Leave 



Edward E. Burns 



M. Frank Burns 



John Burns' Sons 
Funeral Directors 

Towson, Md. 
C. & P. Telephone 205 




TOWSON, MARYLAND 
It's really a home wh«n it's planted by Towson 



Compliments 

of a 

Friend 

You will find at Hutder's 

The Smartest of Clothes 

The Fairest of Prices 

The Best of Service 

HUTZLER BPOTHERS € 

Baltimore, Md. 

CONSOLIDATED BEEF AND 

PROVISION CO. 

Baltimore Dressed Beef Provisions 
Packing House Products 

U.S. Gov. Inspected Establishment 212 

Baltimore's newest modern 
day-light food plant 
Visitors Welcome 

LOMBARD AND EXETER STREETS 



Our Junior Miss and Young Fellows' 
Shops on the Fourth Floor are foremost 
in style for the collegiate miss and youth. 

TRe «8g|J Hub 

" of Charles St." 



MASON'S GARAGE & 
SERVICE STATION 

Official AAA Station 
Towson, Md. 
24-Hour Service 

LOUISE BEAUTY SHOPPE 

32 York Road 

Smart Distinctive Waves and 
Haircuts at Moderate Prices 

Convenient for Normal School 
Phone: Towson 1022 



SUNDAY & MONDAY, MARCH 17-18 

JOAN CLARK ROBERT 

CRAWFORD GABLE MONTGOMERY 

FORSAKING 
ALL OTHERS 

Three Brilliant Stars in a Grand Picture! 

CINEMA 
OF BEAUTY 
4600 York Road 




Samuel Hirfe & &on, 3fne. 

Jewelers > Stationers « Silversmiths 
421 North Charles Street 

DIAMONDS » GOLD JEWELRY 

WRIST WATCHES » FINE STATIONERY 

GIFTS IN SILVERWARE 

Founded i8ij 



Compliments 

of 

Hochschild, Kohn & Go. 



OFFICE 



RADIO 



RESIDENCE 



Calvert 4902 Sales .-Service Towson 785-R 

The Whiteley Electric Co. 

H. S. Parsons, Proprietor 

Electrical Contractors 

13 N. Carey Street, Baltimore, Md. 

represented by 

Henry R. McNally, Jr. 



Josef 



HAIR DRESSERS 

Telephone, Plaza 4136 
223 W. Saratoga Street 

2nd Floor 



HChe 

Second Bational JBank 

of t:oti)0on, Mi 



Rex News 

An all-star cast with the speed and sparkle of ' 'The Thin Man' ' — 
that is the reason for the tremendous ovations being given "Forsaking 
All Others," which comes Sunday and Monday, March 17 and 18, to the 
beautiful Rex Theater, 4600 York Road. Joan Crawford, Clark Gable 
and Robert Montgomery, together for the first time, head the cast. 

Each star seems to have concentrated on outdoing the other at 
turning in the best performance of the year. Joan Crawford is at her best 
as the society girl pursued by two men, but with a great sense of hu- 
mor about it. Gable and Montgomery vie for her smiles. 



3MSEN-K-ELU 



THE 



TOWER 
LIGHT 







APRIL, 1935 




•LIBRA! 



The Tower Light 




IDaryland State Dotmal School 
at Towson 

T O W S O N , MD. 



CONTENTS 

Page 

Easter in Little Things 3 

"The Year's at the Spring" 4 

Pittsburgh and the Eastern Conference 6 

National Symphony Concert 8 

An Appreciation Lesson at Montebello 9 

Interpretation of an Oral Composition Lesson . . 11 

Editorials 16 

Eastern High Assembly 17 

Pawns of Chance 18 

A Smart Fellow 20 

School News 21 

Assemblies 24 

Faculty Notes 26 

Campus School Excursions 28 

Alumni Notes 29 

Hits and Bits 29 

Advertisements 31 



The Tower Light 



Vol. VIII APRIL, 1935 No. 7 



Easter in Little Things 

NOT only in the joyous burst of celestial gladness which contrasts 
so triumphantly with the gloom of Good Friday, can be found 
the true spirit of Easter. In the unnoticed implications of count- 
less little things, crowding upon us on all sides, bloom the profound 
truths of life. To the seeing eye, hope everlasting is revealed in the 
opening of the tight little maple buds, in the hatching of the tiny insect 
egg, in the daily wonder of the sunrise. Small human acts, beneath a 
cloak of vain triviality, often disclose intangible spiritual yearnings. 
The casting aside of garments, worn and faded by the rigors of winter, 
to be replaced by gay and bright raiment symbolizing the promise of 
spring; the joyous movements of youthful dancers, who can cast aside, 
for happy rhythm, dull care and foreboding — each of these evidences 
the indestructible spring of hope. Thus, all around us, deeply planted 
in all burgeoning nature, can be felt the eternal purposes or an all-wise 
omnipotent Creator, Who can bring from darkness, light; from death, 
life abundant in a glorious Resurrection. 

Anonymous. 



M 



Blue misty air, — 
Blue gray space, — 

So thick 
That sky and ground are both lost in it, 
And only bare brown boughs fork through it. 

Margaret Knauer, Sr. II. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



"The Year's at the Spring" 

SPRING is upon us almost before we have stopped shivering from the 
cold winds of winter. All nature seems alive and stirring. Even the 
most casual observer among us has seen the new leaves unfolding 
on the trees and bushes — has seen the buds bursting forth into bloom. 

The hillsides afford an ever-changing panorama of color. First, the 
Forsythia contributes a gay note to the grayness of winter's passing and 
not long after, the Magnolia buds burst into fullness. The pale green 
leaves of shrubs and trees are now beginning to darken; these will soon 
be followed by the blossoming fruit trees as they present their delicate 
shades for our inspection: the apple, the cherry, the plum and others. 
More vivid notes have been furnished by the gaudy tulip and the jon- 
quil, while the modest violet and crocus have revealed themselves to 
those who have frequented their haunts. 

And what of the student? He, too, is changed. No longer does the 
class room thrill and intrigue him as in the winter season, for he is the 
victim of "spring fever", that delightful state characterized by a feeling 
of enervation which finds solace and interest in a more intimate associa- 
tion with the beauties of nature which everywhere surround him. 

Spring is fleeting ! Do not let its beauties pass unheeded ! Avail your- 
self of the woods and countryside to observe the animal life as it 
launches its activity. For you who are equipped with field glasses (or 
opera glasses) bird life affords much pleasure. How many different birds 
have you seen this spring? It is fun to keep a notebook, you know, and 
record the dates of the earliest arrivals. The Blue Jay and the Cardinal 
have been with us all winter, but you will see more of them from now 
on. They are gayly colored and call loudly to attract attention. Look 
for the White-throated Sparrow, the Junco, and the Hermit Thrush. 
The Chickadee and Phoebe will be here soon, the Maryland Yellow- 
throat about the end of April, and a little later, the House Wren. 

For you who are fortunate enough to possess microscopes, the 
ponds are full of beautiful Protozoa and small multicellular organisms, 
the Rotifers and Hydra, green and brown. 

The surest harbingers of this delightful season are our cheerful chor- 
isters, the frogs, which sing in many keys down in the ravine back of 
The Cottage. In our immediate environment may be found tree frogs, 
grass frogs, spring peepers, leopard frogs, and bull frogs. Quite early 
this season, the ponds were full of masses of frogs' eggs surrounded by 
"jelly". Many of you have collected these and are watching the devel- 
oping tadpoles. Why not use the warm spring days for getting better 
acquainted with these common but interesting creatures. Read Doris 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Cochran's article, "Our Friend the Frog", in the National Geographic 
Magazine, May, 1932, and then try to find, in the haunts about the 
Campus, some of the varieties she so beautifully pictures. 
Spring is fleeting! Do not let its beauties pass unheeded! 

Bernice Pierson. 



Rain 

I love the rain — light rain that gently falls 

And bathes the leaves and grass of gardens green. 

And from the brazen summer's heat, a screen 

Of clouds protects the flowers like a shawl. 

I love the rain — light rain that gently calls, 

And begs me watch the crystal dance and gleam — 

The drops that splash and melt into the stream. 

Persistently and urgingly it calls. 

I love the rain — strong rain that blows and beats 

Against the trees, and makes them bend and sway, 

And wrenches gnarled, lifeless branches free 

From sturdier wood of strength and force that meets 

The storm. The fragile stems of flowers give way 

In low obeisance to a great decree. 

Sophia Leutner, '34 



e?^js)u£7d 



Give Thanks 

I walked today in meadows green, 

Where flowers broke the sod. 

I saw a group of daffodils 

Uplift their face toward God. 

I thought how tiny flowers and birds 

Are thankful for His care, 

Should not we then at Easter time 

Give thanks in solemn prayer? 

S. J. Wilson, Jr. V. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Pittsburgh and the Eastern Conference 

THEY believe in music out there in Pittsburgh. There is no doubt 
about that. Elementary school children have three forty-minute 
music periods each week, all phases of music work being provided 
for — singing, eurhythmies, piano, orchestra, and all sorts of creative 
activities. Here the slogan, "Music for every child and every child for 
music", is put into effect in a thorough-going manner. In the past, they 
say, singing only was accorded to every child, instrumental work hav- 
ing been limited to the talented few. Now the elementary schools are 
putting instrumental work within the reach of all as well as the few, 
and are creating choral groups for those who wish practice in singing 
in addition to that provided for everyone. 

It was our privilege on the first day of the conference to visit the 
classrooms and see the children at work. I went in the morning to two 
elementary schools. In the first, I saw a sixth-grade lesson in play band 
orchestration and in sight singing; in the second school, a performance 
of a Christmas pageant and cantata which the children of the upper 
grades had given at Christmas time. I do not know whether I was more 
impressed by the fact that the words and music were all created by the 
children, or by the beautiful tone quality of the chorus and the sincerity 
of the whole performance. 

In the afternoon I saw a teacher training class in public school 
music at the Carnegie Tech. Towson Normal is not the only place where 
students take turns in teaching their fellow classmates. 

The Pittsburgh schools continued to play the part of a very gener- 
ous host throughout the week. During the three days of the Conference 
proper, they gave us a "Pittsburgh Panorama" in nineteen episodes. 
The episodes were given on the stage of the ballroom at the hotel much 
as demonstration lessons and other types of programs are given in our 
auditorium. The episodes covered all phases of music work from kinder- 
garten to high school. The elementary school divisions included kin- 
dergarten eurhythmies, percussion band work, the beginning of note 
reading in Grade II, sight singing, piano instruction, class instruction 
in instruments and schoolroom orchestra, and creative projects (origi- 
nal plays with music). The Junior High division included chorus, 
orchestra, and creative work. The Senior High included chorus, 
orchestra, chamber music and band work. 

In addition to all this, the Pittsburgh schools gave an evening con- 
cert in a huge auditorium known as the Syria Mosque. An elementary 
school chorus of four or five hundred, a high school orchestra of about 
ninety, and a high school chorus of four hundred contributed. The de- 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



signer and organizer of all this was Dr. Will Earhart, who has been 
director of Music Education in the Pittsburgh schools since 1912, and 
who is recognized as being one of the leaders in Music Education in 
America. 

As the conference was in session literally morning, afternoon, and 
night, there was much more still. There was, for example, an inter 
collegiate contest of Men's Glee Clubs, which was won by Pennsylvania 
State College. It was this Glee Club which gave, just for fun — not as 
part of the serious contest — the story of "Old King Cole", of which, by 
the way, you may soon be hearing an echo. Then there was the wonder- 
ful banquet, when nine hundred music teachers dined together, laughed 
at more than one funny story, and joined their voices in more than one 
song. There was the great concert given by the Eastern Conference 
Chorus, consisting of four hundred selected high school singers from all 
over the eastern states. And there were, besides, many small meetings 
and many luncheons, as well as hundreds of interesting things to look 
at in the exhibits of publishers. 

Such was Pittsburgh and the Eastern Conference. It is not hard to 
enumerate some of the main events, but that which was most vital I 
cannot recall for you; namely, the beautiful sound of that music. But 
there is a way out of even this dilemma. You can supply the deficiency 
by making the beautiful sounds yourselves. A conference must have 
echoes. Else why the conference? 

Emma E. Weyforth. 



GZz&J&^tt 



Song of the Vanquished 

It was a hard fought race today 

I tried, I lost, I go, 

Not with the soul crushed out of me 

Not with my head bowed low; 

But with a faith new born in me 

Because I did my best, 

And when my conscience tells me that, 

My God will do the rest. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



National Symphony Concert 

UNDER the direction of Hans Kindler, the National Symphony Or- 
chestra closed the nineteen-thirty-four series of concerts in 
Baltimore on March 19. At this time Harold Bauer, noted pian- 
ist, appeared as guest artist. In response to the enthusiastic reception of 
the Schumann A Minor Concert, Mr. Bauer played a "Novelette" by 
the same composer. In both of these compositions were displayed the 
fine technique for which Mr. Bauer is famous. 

The symphony of the concert was the Fourth of Tchaikowsky. 
This familiar selection is ever welcome in the concert hall. 

The program opened with a "Chorale Prelude" of Bach and closed 
with the "Traume" and a stirring rendition of the Overture to Tann- 
hauser, by Wagner. 

The National Symphony Orchestra, whose concerts have been so 
welcome in this city, promises to the music-loving Baltimoreans addi- 
tional opportunities to enjoy fine music. There will be a series of Sunset 
Symphonies played in Washington twice weekly during the summer 
months. 

These concerts, played out-of-doors, will be available at popular 
prices. Certainly, many of us are looking forward to them with pleasant 
anticipation. 



CHsJH>^^t 



Foreign Beauty 



Asa rule, we Americans are wont to overlook the beauty all around 
r\ us. Nevertheless, there is one magnificent scene of nature that we 
-*■ ^-do appreciate. This lovely gift, which will arrive with its com- 
panion "Spring" always seems to bring a message of friendship to us; 
the benevolence of a race from over the sea! Yes, the pink flowers have 
a name! They are called "Japanese Cherry Blossoms". With their deli- 
cacy of color they form a most fitting background for our Capital. There 
these fragrant blossoms enclose a body of water with their dark bodies. 
Far and wide, the people of our nation come to see this spectacle. As we 
drive around the lake we are mindful of the beauty given so freely 
by the pink-colored branches. If only other nations could seek and 
strengthen friendship by the lovely gifts of nature, rather than by ele- 
ments made from it, how thankful we would be! 

Edith Jones, Fr. I. 

8 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



An Appreciation Lesson at Montebello 

Taught by Edna Keefbr, 6A 

I — Preparing the Mind and Mood. 
A — Discussion of month of March. 

1 — Teacher calls attention to calendar. 
2 — Children describe characteristics of March. 
a — Blowing winds. 
b — Changeable weather. 
c — Early signs of spring. 

(1) Early spring flowers. 

(2) Buds on trees. 

Note — Child contributes, "March is a preparation for Spring" 
3 — Children tell why they like March. 

B — Introduction to particular poem. 
1 — Teacher tells children the poet's name and the title of the poem. 
a — William Cullen Bryant was an early American poet who loved 

nature. 
b — "March", a poem in which the poet tells us that March is a 
welcome month to him. 
2 — Teacher gives them something definite to listen for — why 
March is welcome to him. 

II — Hour of Appreciation. 
A — ' 'March 1 ' — Bryant. 

1 — Teacher reads whole poem. 
2 — Children answer previous question. 
a — Bryant likes March because it welcomes spring. 
b — Child, who had heard poem before, gives poet's exact words. 
c — Teacher re-reads sentence. 
3 — Teacher uncovers poem, which she had previously written on 

board. 
4 — Children re-read it silently. 
5 — Meaning in first stanza. 
a — Discussion of poet's characteristics of March. 

(1) Wind. 

(2) Stormy March. 

Children give evidence that March is stormy by recalling 
yesterday's weather. 
b — Discussion of picture words or phrases. 
(1) "Changing skies". 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Qa) Teacher asks child what picture he saw when he said 
that — child says that when winds are blowing the 
clouds move fast. 

(F) Teacher explains about the shadows and brightness of 
the sky as the sun is alternately hidden and exposed. 

(2) "Winds rushing through the valley". Children tell their 
impressions caused by these words. 

(3) "Blast". This word gives speed and movement to the 
picture. 

c — Children choose suitable title for first stanza — "Stormy 
March". 
6 — Content of each of the remaining stanzas developed in the same 
way. These are some of the points brought out. 
a — Poetic language — doth; thou. 

b — Figures of speech — alliteration, "glad and glorious". 
c — Meanings of words and phrases — "passing few", "rills", 

"train". 
d — Resemblance or one stanza to another. 
7 — Discussion of rhyme scheme of whole poem. 
8 — Individual children read each stanza aloud. 
9 — Children read phrase or sentence they like very much. 
10 — Summary for this poem — 
Teacher says she is going to have the poem on the board and if 
they like it well enough they may copy it. 

B — ' 'March" — Wordsworth. 
1 — Introduction . 
a — Teacher gives idea of poet's personality — lover of nature. 
b — Teacher suggests question for them to answer later — See if 
you think Wordsworth is as thoughtful about March as Bry- 
ant was. 
2 — Teacher reads poem. 
3 — Discussion of mood. 
a — Poem is like a jingle; it is happy; it is suited to poem. 
b — Wordsworth is not as thoughtful as Bryant — he just writes 
down all the pictures of spring that he sees. 
4 — Comparison of rhythm with Bryant's poem. 
5 — Teacher re-reads poem. 

Ill — Summary. 
Suggest painting some of these things in art. 

References: Hay ward, "The Lesson in Appreciation". 

10 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Strayer and Norsworthy — "How to Teach" — The 
chapter — The appreciation lesson. 

Reported by K. Buckley, M. Knauer, 
F. Looymans, for Senior II. 

Interpretation of an Oral Composition 

Lesson 

Taught by Evelyn Girardin, Grade 1 , Montebello 

THE big general aim of the oral composition lesson was to develop 
in the children the ability to express themselves freely and effec- 
tively before the group. 

The immediate aims of the lesson were to have the children express 
themselves in good sentences, use correct words, and be able to carry on 
an effective telephone conversation. 

Miss Girardin stimulated the children through the selection, or- 
ganization, and presentation of her subject matter. First, she selected 
material which was of vital interest to the class and on their level. In 
the organization and presentation of her material she used pictures 
which were vivid and simple, and which the children could understand. 
Through these she started a discussion which led to their personal 
interests and experiences (telling about their own dogs). She kept the 
conversation going by asking guiding and stimulating questions. Before 
the telephone conversation Miss Girardin also made them ready by 
having the children discuss the things which they would consider in 
buying a dog. She did not, however, prepare them for the conversation 
of the store-keeper. 

Miss Girardin in developing her aims, first, showed a picture of a 
dog which the children discussed. Next, they read the story under the 
picture. The teacher then asked which of them had dogs and which 
picture looked like their dog. She asked guiding questions to stimulate 
the children to talk. Miss Girardin asked the children which dog they 
would like to have and why. The pupils talked about "pet shops" and 
what they would say and ask if they were going to buy a dog. Finally, 
they dramatized a conversation, carried on over a telephone, between a 
man desiring to buy a dog and a clerk in the "pet shop". 

Many things were being learned indirectly through this lesson. 
The children were learning what constituted good telephone conversa- 
tion. They were made more familiar with the various names and breeds 
of dogs. Throughout the entire class they were reminded that they must 
be courteous and considerate of others. 

11 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



There were many integrations made during this lesson. Miss Girar- 
din used reading in her introduction of the lesson. She began by having 
the children read a chart orally about the dog, Spot. This lesson was 
integrated with their nature study course in which they had been study- 
ing about dogs. In this lesson they talked orally in a clear, organized 
manner about personal experiences with dogs, rood of dogs, and pet 
shops. A very important connection was made with health. The chil- 
dren talked of the value milk and green vegetables have for dogs and for 
themselves. 

As a whole the lesson was very good. The children showed a sense 
of freedom when talking over the telephone and when talking about 
their own dogs. Although at the end of the period the children were not 
making complete sentences there was great improvement shown. The 
pupils seemed interested throughout the lesson and this was due largely 
to the fact that they had been properly stimulated by interesting pic- 
tures and a topic within their own experience. 

Reported by Jrs. Ill and IV. 



What Is Life? 

LIFE is one continuous journey across a vast sea. When you are born, 
. you become a member of a crew of which your father is the cap- 
^ tain. At first, you glide along unaware of what is happening 
about you. You are conscious only of the fact that the captain and his 
mate are doing all in their power to protect you from a great many 
winds or other disturbances which might cause you to lose your path. 
Days come and days go. One day your father takes the boat to shore, 
never to return. It is up to you now to brave the sea. You, and you 
alone, must steer the ship. Many times when there is a storm raging and 
the gushing waves cause the vessel to rock to and fro, you feel as though 
you must give up, but, instead, you cling to hope. Often after these 
raging storms, the sun shines brightly, sending upon you rays of happi- 
ness and hope. Sometimes you meet people passing by in other ships. 
Some of these people get to know you better and stick by you until you 
reach the other side. Some leave you when you need them most. You 
must reach that land beyond some day, but the path you take depends 
wholly on you, for you, and you alone, are the captain of your destiny. 
You are responsible for the way your ship comes to port. 

Lucia R. Serio, Freshman I. 
12 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Heaven 

I LOOK up at heaven. A calm whirl-pool of softly-blended, delicate 
color meets my fascinated gaze. A brilliantly-scarlet ball of fire is 
openly flirting with a fair, white, fleecy cushion, which in turn is 
modestly, surreptitiously peeping through an ethereal curtain of blue. 
Coquettishly she returns his merry twinkle, and, embarrassed at her 
misdemeanor, she assumes a divinely haughty countenance. Her pur- 
suer, though, has accomplished his malevolent purpose — his cheeks 
bulge as he laughs aloud in gleeful satisfaction. Ethereal figures are 
moving in a silence that befits their forms, yet they cause eternal ques- 
tions. They laugh at our ignorance; they scorn our reach for knowledge. 
They play upon our fancies, and haunt our hoping souls and dreaming 
hearts. Why, then, do we yield so helplessly to their suffusing magnet- 
ism? These light, floating ghosts that seem to melt into one another 
will soon pass! The next minute, when we start to confirm our suspicion, 
there they are — still staring down at us in a halo of lovely mist. Foolish 
mortals, that we have even attempted to steal those secrets which shall 
be His, wholly and infinitely! 

Sylvia Bernstein, Fr. I. 



GSZiJ&^SS 



Did You Know That-- 

SPECTRAL analysis makes it possible to identify constituents of ma- 
terials, even detecting copper, silver, and other metals in quantities 
as small as one-millionth of one per cent? 

Recent chemical discoveries may result in greater use of tobacco 
instead of arsenic preparations in insecticides? 

A new rubber compound that will withstand temperatures as low 
as 60 degrees below zero has been developed in rubber laboratories in 
Ohio? 

Fragile porcelain has been developed scientifically until spark 
plugs stand chilling at 120 degrees below zero and then heating at 1800 
degrees above? 

A new factory in Sweden is to produce enough aluminum to meet 
Swedish requirements? 

VlOLETTE V. HODDINOTT, Fr. VI. 

13 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



A Gentleman 

A TRUE gentleman does not have to be a paragon of all virtues, but 
he must possess a certain number in order to qualify. To be more 
explicit, he must at least be honest and tactful. A gentleman does 
not have to be a Sir Walter Raleigh, but it counts much in his favor if 
he is able to show some of the Raleigh courtliness and grace to the 
world. He should be able to play up to the whims and idiosyncrasies of 
people and should have sense enough to steer clear of their touchy 
points. He should be a man of the world in that he can adapt himself to 
queer or unnatural situations. To look after the comfort of the other 
person, and to consider himself last, is a trait that should be cultivated 
by every would-be gentleman. A gentleman should be kind and consid- 
erate of the unfortunate, and he should be able to meet children on their 
ground without losing any of his dignity. A true gentleman should be 
respectful to his superiors and should not begrudge anyone his good 
luck. If he discovers that he is in error, he should be the first to apolo- 
gize and to make amends. He must be reliable, and most emphatically 
he should not be ashamed to thank God for his existence. The aspiring 
gentleman must be honest when the occasion demands; tactful when the 
question of someone else's feeling is at stake. He should be straightfor- 
ward in all of his business dealings. To sum it all up, he should be able 
to do the correct thing, at the proper place, in the right manner. 

Patricia Callahan, Freshman VI. 



ecfeja-^s^ 



Ode to a Cuspidor 

O, thou — essential need of men, 
Target of unjust derision, 
Well-beknownst to mortals' ken, 
Degraded by impaired precision — 
Hast been banished with thy glory 
From thy place in parlors staid; 
Exiled to the farthest story 
There thy golden gleam to fade. 

Arthur Shapiro, '34 



14 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Dirt, Darkness and Death 

THE silent sizzle of the sun was felt. We were one hundred feet below 
the surface of the earth, but the bright, burning rays penetrated tons 
of coal above us. We were sweltering. Backs aching and muscles 
taut, we struggled hopelessly to maintain the rhythmic hammering 
upon the petrified trees man was exploiting. The age-old rock crumbled 
under our blows, while each resounding whack throbbed in our ears. 
Damp, ill-smelling gases constantly spiralled into our nostrils. Our feet 
slushed in a warm, black, oily liquid. Were we Russian criminals sent 
to Siberia that so we worked? No, but this dark dungeon hidden in the 
depths of American soil was no heavenly haven of mercy. Noise, dirt, 
putrid, stinking smells, and heat, unbearable heat, all lent themselves 
to the oppressiveness of our task. We were coal miners, entombed in 
the bowels of the earth at day, only to emerge from this darkness, into 
a new dark. Here, where men gave their lives to a futile task, were we. 
Blindly, guided only by spluttering lights on our foreheads, we drove 
our axes into the crumbling mass about us. Always, the thud, thud, 
with forceful returns echoing from the walls. That incessant drip, drip 
of oil; that beating noise of axes; and that steady rumbling of hand 
cars nearly drove us mad. Thud, thud, thud, ever reminding us of our 
torture. The widening cave seemed to be closing in, squeezing, crushing, 
killing us. So was it, ever throbbing, ever beating, ever trampling us to 
dirt and death. 

Max Berzofsky, Fr. IV. 



tt*Jg>^5$ 



Thought 

Time after time while thinking at night 

I wonder and marvel at the wrong and the right, 

'Till my mind's all agog . . . and I? . . . well, a sight 

from fruitless thought concerning our plight. 

Now at last I've decided this thought is in vain, 

And so, my conclusion not to start it again, 

For indeed, you know, t'would be quite insane, 

To think when our thoughts are all thought in vain. 

E. Turner. 
15 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Tower Light 

Published monthly by the students of the Maryland State 
Normal School at Towson 

STUDENT EDITORS 

Editor Managing Editor 

Mary-Stewart Lewis Mary Douglas 

Business Manager 
Earl Palmer 

Circulation Managers Advertising Managers 

Mary B. Yeager Elsie Meiners 

Irene Shank Justus Meyer 

Dorothea Stinchcomb Betty Rust 
Jeanette Mathias 

DEPARTMENT EDITORS 
Assembly Athletics General Literature 

Ruth Ejbir Theodore Woronka Edward Turner 

Helens Ziegler Fairfax Brooke 

Poetry Social Secretarial Staff 

Herman Bainder Mary Bucher Hilda Farbman 

Elizabeth Goodhand Dorothy Gonce 

jcnnce Eulalie Smith 
Edith Waxman Musk 

Library Sarena Fried Humor 

Ruth Hale Gene Benbow 

$1.50 per year 20 cents per copy 

Alice Munn, Faculty Adviser 



S.O.T. 

S. O. T., S. O. T. were the distress signals flashed forth from the 
good ship Normal. 

At first, the passengers aboard Normal were amazed and then dis- 
tressed. They hadn't realized that one of their favorite members, Mr. 
Tower Light, was overboard. The news spread like wild fire and the 

16 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



passengers hustled about in excess of all known speed laws. On March 
the first, they tossed a life saver overboard. But alas, Mr. Tower Light, 
though he had just reduced one hundred and fifty pounds, still weighed 
two hundred and fifty pounds, and the rope was not quite strong enough 
to hoist him all the way up. Poor Mr. Tower Light was left dangling 
three-eighths of the way up with the angry waves of bankruptcy gnash- 
ing at his heels. 

Decidedly, something must be done and done quickly. But what 
shall it be? 

Doris Burtnett, Fr. I. 



Eastern High Assembly 

THE first in the series of Enrollment Campaign Assemblies was held 
at the Eastern High School on March 15. All former graduates 
now at Normal were invited to assist at an assembly. ,To make it 
more interesting (and to help us sing) we took with us other members 
of the Glee Club. Our aim was to induce the Easternites to attend Nor- 
mal School to pursue a professional career. 

Miriam Vogelman, as chairman, introduced the speakers and 
musical selections. The chorus sang "Sleigh Song" and "Peter, Peter". 
The environment at Normal-Campus and activities were described by 
Marguerite Schorr. Ann Dayett told about the various phases of ath- 
letics for girls at Normal School. She also mentioned Girl's Demonstra- 
tion which had been held the night before. The curriculum as a prepara- 
tion for teaching and the outlook for obtaining a teaching position was 
discussed by Elise Meiners. The best was of course saved till last. Miss 
Tall, first of all, introduced Miss Roach who talked about the class 
stunts at Girls' Demonstration. Miss Tall then summed up all the points 
by giving more information about the outlook for obtaining positions 
and by inviting the capable students of the school to come to Normal 
School. She spoke about the standing of Eastern graduates at Normal 
and challenged the present Easternites to follow in their way. Our part 
of the program was closed with the singing of "Alma Mater" by the 
chorus. 

The students at Eastern seemed to enjoy the program. We certainly 
hope that we have given them a desire and a purpose for coming to the 
Normal School. 

E. M., Sr. I. 

17 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Pawns of Chance 

CIRCUS day! Circus tents! Side shows! Barkers! Fat ladies! Sword 
swallowers! Animals! Confused shouting! Throngs and throngs 
of people! Everyone was there! Money, hoarded since the last 
circus day, had purchased those tickets. Thrills! Danger! Balloons and 
laughter! Fleet-footed lads flew hither and yon, crying at the top of 
their lungs: 

"Pop corn!" "Hot-dogs and mustard free!" 

The grand parade was on. The audience cheered. The actors were 
ready to give their best in a gripping drama. 

In one of a row of cars, where the light was dim, an old clown was 
dressing for his part in the show. As he fastened his costume, he mused 
to his dog, Rover: 

"Rover, old fellow, this is the last time you and I will be doing 
this. It doesn't seem true after all these years. Years? Why, it seems like 
yesterday that Jane was here. Dear Jane. Remember how she used to 
make us laugh for her? She was the real thing, while I — I am only a 
clown. It is so hard to grin when the one you love best is gone from this 
earth. At last, I will have rest, too. Retired! Bah! How I loathe it. To 
be away from the life and lights that I have always known. Why, I can 
close my eyes and see Mother, as the circus queen, — and that night 
when she fell — . What will happen to us, Rover? You've been a faithful 
pal. Good old dog. Let's give the gang out there a surprise. We'll have 
them falling off the benches. After tonight there is time enough to 
mourn for the past. After tonight there will be no reason for living. 
Ready, boy?" 

Farther down in the cars were Peter and Laura. They were bubbling 
over with youth, gayety and love. Today was their wedding day. 

"Hurry," urged Laura with new-found wifely dignity, "We can't 
be late for our very last act in the Big-Top." 

"How can I hurry, when I have you?" Peter had eyes for no one 
else. Tonight was to be their final performance. The ideal of home and 
family life had long burned within the hearts of these flying children. 
After this show, they were to quit the circus. Peter had secured a posi- 
tion as a district agent for a real estate concern. With the position, he 
was given a cozy little cottage and a small garden. 

Finally they were ready. Together, they stood, young and vigor- 
ous. They must perform for the restless, thrill-seeking crowd. Mysteri- 
ous Fate, what will you do with your actors tonight? 

The parade had started! First came Sally, the leader of the ele- 
phants. Seated high on the animals were beautiful girls. Running be- 
tween the animals, our clown somersaulted and jumped. He swung high 

18 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



on the trunk of one elephant over to the trunk of another. The crowd 
loved it. Behind these came bare-back riders, lion trainers, snake charm- 
ers; all the champions of dangerous arts. And then — confident, charm- 
ing — daring Laura and Peter, pulsating with life. The crowd leaped to 
its feet ana boisterously welcomed the famed aces of the trapeze. The 
lovers bowed graciously. Pop — everything was happening at once. All 
the circles were humming with cracking whips as trainers took their 
pets through various tricks. Eyes shining, cheeks flaming, hands strong, 
muscles taut, the trainers, through the vividness of their own personali- 
ties, forced seals, bears, lions, snakes, camels and horses into flashing, 
difficult maneuvers. 

And silence! All was quiet. Laura and Peter climbed to their lofty 
places above the crowds until they bent their heads to avoid touching 
the canvas at the tip-top of the Big Tent. To and fro — high, never low, 
went the swings — higher, faster, turning in air — hanging in air — risk- 
ing everything — daring everything — all for the sake of the crowd. 
Deafening applause filled the air. The couple bowed. 

It was Laura's turn, alone. Peter was down on the ground, watch- 
ing her. Somehow he had wanted to be beneath her — looking up. He 
worshipped her so. Laura wiped her moist hands, grasped the bar, and 
began to swing. She gazed about her . . . "Thank you, Father. After 
all these years — peace, rest, not doing crazy things to satisfy a crazy 
crowd. But — " Grace and ease, rhythm and beauty, swinging and turn- 
ing. Somersaults! Catching a lower bar! Up and down! Faster! Faster! 
Push! Pull! Oh! — The force, the rhythm to swinging! Turn! Turn! 
Hold by one hand, hold by one foot! Swinging! One, two, — she skipped 
a count, the bar slipped away. The crowd set up shrill, clamorous 
voices. Women shrieked! Men swore! 

Down below, Peter felt the break in the rhythm. His heart pounded 
— He gulped and ran forward. He reached for her blindly — as she fell. 
Crack! Crush! Both of his arms broke. His chest was crushed. She 
slipped to the ground. Peter lay beside her, his own misery dulled by 
his fear for her. Laura opened her eyes. 

"Peter, beloved," the voice faded. 

There was no answer. 

Over on the side lines the Clown watched, shaking. Tiny beads of 
moisture broke out on his forehead. His eyes popped. His hand clutched 
his heart. He started toward them. Tears coursed down his weathered 
cheek. He was left, a discard of circus life, never to find contentment, 
never to be satisfied, while at his feet youth lay — together forever. 

Mildred Melamet, Fr. II. 



Note — At a reading of Freshman stories, sponsored by Mrs. Stapleton, the above was 
selected as the best in the contest. 

19 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



A Smart Fellow 

MY, it feels good to be alive", Steve thought as the liveried 
doorman of New York's finest hotel helped him out of his 
car. "Only poor fish work; smart people don't have to work. 
The world owes me a living". After getting a room at the hotel, Steve 
thought he could use a little cash, so — he must get it. 

He went to a nearby candy shop and looked around. He noticed 
the clerk was a pretty, young girl of about twenty. A simple young 
flapper without a grain of sense, thought Steve. After noting that the 
store had plenty of customers, he decided to lay his trap. 

The young clerk came up and asked him what he wanted. Steve 
said he would like that 75c box of candy there in the showcase. As the 
girl was getting it he engaged her in a general conversation. The girl 
chatted with him happily. He drew out a bill to pay her — a one-dollar 
bill. Carefully folding the bill to hide the number, he handed it to the 
clerk. She rang up the sale and gave him the 25c change. Steve's trap 
was then set. 

He said to the girl, ' 'I gave you a ten-dollar bill. ' ' The girl, smiling 
blandly, informed him that he did not. Steve loudly demanded the other 
nine dollars. Other customers were taking an interest. The girl was 
frankly puzzled. The manager, noticing the disturbance, came up and 
asked the trouble. The girl was almost in tears. Steve then played his 
trump. 

He informed the manager that he always kept the serial numbers 
of his bills and he would give the number of the ten if the manager 
wished. He read off the number, K 344. Sure enough, among the tens 
was the serial number. (They didn't know that Steve had sent a bell 
boy into the store a short time before to change a ten.) The manager 
apologized and ordered the girl to give him the nine dollars. The mana- 
ger then told his clerk to report to his office. Goodbye, job! 

As Steve was leaving, a shout arouse, "Hold that man!" Several 
customers immediately seized him. The girl asked someone to get a 
policeman. When the officer arrived, the clerk told him that the man- 
agement had recently been getting bad ten-dollar bills and this man 
had passed one. As the policeman seized him, Steve thought fast. 
Counterfeiting was a serious offense. In cheating the management of 
the store he could only be held for a misdemeanor, but for counterfeit- 
ing — ten years at least. 

At last, Steve — the smart man — broke. "I didn't have a ten-dollar 
bill", he pleaded, "I only had a one-dollar bill, I guessed the serial 
number." 

20 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



With a smiling face the girl put the nine dollars back in the cash 
register. The manager, of course, was all apologies. Just then the police- 
man scratched his head and said, "I don t remember the chief saying 
anything about counterfeit ten-dollar bills, ma'am". "You didn't", 
she replied, "I thought something was strange about his knowing the 
serial number. I never make a mistake." 

T. Pentz, Fr. IV. 



ttiaJ&^SS 



Study Clinic 

In response to the need felt by some of the students to improve 
methods of study, there has been organized a study clinic. Under the 
direction of Dr. Tall, Miss Jones, Miss Birdsong and Miss Cook, this 
group meets to avail itself of valuable aids to study. 

Individual conferences are being carried on now, in order that spe- 
cific study helps may be given. This clinic may be of great value not 
only to the student who feels a definite need, but likewise to any one 
who wishes improvement in his study habits. 



€£zsJ&^3% 



The Rural Club Dinner 

AT six o'clock on Friday, March twenty-second, Newell Hall Foyer 
/"\ was filled with the members of the Rural Club and their guests, 
•*• *- waiting for a call to the dining room. Upon entering, they were 
greeted by decorations of golden jonquils, flickering candles and attrac- 
tive menu cards, all suggesting spring. 

The dinner, a delightful one, was followed by an interesting pro- 
gram at which Mrs. Donald Hooker was the guest speaker. Mrs. Hooker 
brought a challenging message of what citizenship means. 

Two other highlights of the evening were Myron Mezick's solos, 
"Hills of Home" and "Rolling Down to Rio", and Wheeler and John- 
son's "Mystery Show". 

These annual dinners are red-letter affairs in the Club's activities. 

V. Lowe, Sr. V. 

21 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Girls' Demonstration 

WITH many a nervous exclamation and many a yell the night of 
March 14 was ushered in. This was truly the girls' night. 
This night was their chance to show what they could do. 

Everything went off well but there were some things that were 
sufficiently outstanding to merit special attention. We commend: 
Misses Neunsinger, Keys, Treut, Daniels, and Roach for their valuable 
help in planning and carrying things through; the Juniors, Freshmen, 
and Seniors for their good work and fine spirit. The Juniors did a most 
effective Indian Dance. Senior 5 performed their stunts in excellent 
fashion. The Student Teachers did well even though they were not in 
Normal for the practices. Miss Daniels was most efficient in the part 
she took in the Senior Specials' Dance and Senior 2 were outstanding in 
"Topsy." The Freshmen did real work in their games, especially. 

The Senior Class won the Cup! Final score: Seniors — 423 2/3 points; 
Freshmen — 422 2/3 points; and Juniors — 409 points. 



GS&J&^ZFb 



Sport Slants 



NOW that we are having such warm, spring weather, the sports 
will change from indoor to outdoor and we shall soon have 
base-ball and volley-ball electives. Work will probably be be- 
gun on the tennis courts in the near future and the tennis fans will 
enjoy action. If "Spring Fever" has come upon many, the way it has 
upon some, we are sure we shall have numbers out for spring electives. 
Senior Two recently defeated Senior Five in basket-ball and thus 
holds the Senior class section Championship. Two defeated Senior Six, 
and Five defeated Senior One. Then came the play-off. This was a very 
close game, the score being 2-0. Those playing for the winners were 
Clabaugh, Ay, Lorenz, Schikner, Looymans, Summers and Brooke. 
More next time about base-ball and volley-ball. 

Fairfax Brooke, Sr. II. 

22 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Tower Light Dance 

The face of the old Tower clock looked down on a happy and gay 
scene. It seemed as though it knew what was happening. Perhaps some 
little bird had whispered the news that a dance was being given in its 
honor, and it was trying its hardest to send out a stronger light than 
the low and misty moon. 

The fragrance of sweet peas and roses in the air reminded one of a 
balmy night in June, yet we knew it was only March first. Thrilling! 
Romantic! and a Stupendous Success! (To the tune of $114.25 cleared!) 



Do You Remember? 

DO you remember the dashing D' Artagnan, the kindly old L'Abbe 
Constantin, and the highly intelligent Cyrano? If they were 
your old friends at high school, they can still be your friends 
now that you are at the Maryland State Normal School. 

There is a French Club now at M. S. N. S. At the first meeting, on 
March 15, those interested in renewing acquaintance with French or- 
ganized the club and discussed future plans for their organization. 
They enjoyed a delightful talk by Mr. James Frederick Moore, out- 
standing in the French department at the Forest Park High School. He 
suggested that the club divide into groups interested in one particular 
phase of the subject. Mr. Moore briefly reviewed some of the historical, 
musical, and literary high points in the life of the French. 

In future meetings of the Club, we hope to carry out Mr. Moore's 
suggestions, sing French songs, dance French dances, gradually become 
better acquainted with the language, and have a good time while we 
are doing all these things. If you are interested, we shall expect to see 
you every other Tuesday in Richmond Hall Parlor. 

Lucia R. Serio, Fr. I. 



23 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Assemblies 

DR. WEGLEIN: 

Dr. Weglein brought statistics to the students which showed that 
Baltimore City is rapidly placing Normal graduates, and expressed the 
belief that in 1937 there will be a shortage of teachers. He then pro- 
ceeded to his address, the topic of which was, "Democracy and Edu- 
cation." 

In a democracy, everyone is permitted to have an equal voice and 
equal opportunities; so, in an educational system, democracy means 
equal opportunities to all children and an equal voice for all partici- 
pants. Real democracy is being put into education in Baltimore City 
today, for the varied and useful curriculum is made for mentally and 
physically abnormal children as well as normal children; teachers have 
a say, too, in suggesting and revising this curriculum. In the 19th cen- 
tury there were no equal opportunities for children, and as a result many 
did not even complete elementary school. Now we have opportunity 
classes, vocational centers, and junior high schools all making for 
interest and betterment of the system. 

In the secondary schools there is a lesser amount of equalization of 
opportunities and democracy in education. 

Research Work in Radio and Movies: 
MRS. BUCK: 

Mrs. Buck gave us facts gathered from a recent experiment con- 
ducted in the Campus School, the data of which were composed of 
figures pertaining to children, the movies, and radio. 

The children were given questionnaires both for themselves and 
their parents, and it was found that 25 parents went once a week, and 
27 parents took their children twice a week. The children preferred 
movies to everything else, in the third, fourth, and fifth grades, but in 
the sixth and seventh, athletics was the favorite pastime. As to imita- 
tion, the 3rd grade children were ardent copiers of Shirley Temple; next 
in importance being May West, Janet Gaynor, Clark Gable, and Grace 
Moore. The 3rd grade rated romantic stories highest, the 4th and 5th 
were partial to cartoons and animal pictures, and the 6th and 7th pre- 
ferred musical shows. 

The radio question is a serious one. It was found that 16 children 
listen 30 minutes a day, 18 children listen 45 minutes a day, 33 children 
listen one hour, and 62 children listen more than one hour. Two chil- 
dren in the 3rd grade listened to 9 and 9:30 programs. However, the 
children confessed a preference for plays on the stage rather than on tne 
radio. 

24 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



From the above, it can be seen that children are radio and movie- 
minded. Therefore, it is up to the parent and teacher to guide the chil- 
dren in selecting their movies and radio programs, and also to fortify 
the children by building up an adult discrimination in them. 
MISS COOK: 

Collecting old glass is a very interesting and worthwhile occupa- 
tion. The first glass-makers were the Egyptians. They were followed by 
the Venetians in the fifteenth century, the Bohemians in the 17th cen- 
tury, and lastly, of course, the English. Old glass has a pleasant irregu- 
larity in its pattern, is less clear and brilliant than newer glass, and feels 
soft to the touch. These characteristics are due to the way in which the 
glass was made, in moulds of wood or iron. In America, in early times, 
glass was a luxury. There was an attempt to manufacture it at James- 
town. Other factories were set up at Salem, and in 1756 at Philadelphia. 
About this time bottle making became America's leading glass indus- 
try. Miss Cook exhibited some of her valuable collection of glass an- 
tiques and told us facts about them. 
MISS TALL: 

Miss Tall talked about the subject of study, using Benjamin Frank- 
lin as one who had good study habits. 

The greatest Freshman difficulty in college is inability to read and 
comprehend and inability to study correctly. Perhaps life would be 
more rigorous if thinking were more rigorous, and to have rigorous 
thinking, we must, as in history, find the causes of the causes. A test 
was given to the seventh grade, to find the children's methods of study. 
These were found to be the same as college students, only the subject 
matter was different. 

Benjamin Franklin made himself what he was, through rigorous 
study. He was born in 1706. His formal schooling ended when he was 
10 years old, but through the influence of his uncle he began to study 
books and write poems. He began to make a name for himself as a 
printer in Philadelphia, and from this time on, his list of achievements 
is almost endless. He made books, was postmaster in the colonies, estab- 
lished a hospital, was influential in having lighthouses placed along 
our coast, and was foreign minister to France. He was acclaimed by 
great personages, and was greatly revered. With a small amount of for- 
mal schooling he became a great man because he could read and assimi- 
late, and study correctly. Effective use of books can make great persons 
of us all. 
MRS. LEWIS: 

Mrs. Lewis, the author of "Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze" and 
"Ho Ming — a Girl of New China", talked to us about China. Her clear, 
well-chosen words and fluent speech made this assembly one of the most 
enjoyable of the year. 



25 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Faculty Notes 



THE faculty skaters have reluctantly put their socks and mittens 
back into the moth balls again. We expect that some of those who 
did original figure skating will be asked to take part in the ice 
carnival next year, though we doubt that the figures can be duplicated 

Is Miss Treut going to take up aviation? It has been observed that 
she circles the parking place before coming to a stop. 

Miss Sperry recently spent some time visiting the Maryland State 
Normal School at Salisbury. 

Miss Dowell, Miss Van Bibber and Miss Scarborough motored to 
Chambersburg a short time ago to visit Miss Willis, a former instructor 
of the Normal School. 

Certain members of the staff have recently divulged considerable 
knowledge of the workings of the occult. Should you become aware of 
anything queer in the mien of a faculty member, attribute it to the 
powers of mysticism which are probably being concentrated on your 
palm, your handwriting, or the bumps on your head. 

We may expect one of our geography instructors to be pulling out 
for Hollywood at any time now. The Camera Club has been exhibiting 
a series of the trial photographs, of various sizes, on the main bulletin 
board. 

Miss Weyforth spent several days in Pittsburgh where she visited 
music classes in the schools, and attended the Pittsburgh and Eastern 
Music Conference. 

Miss Jones addressed the Dundalk and Roland Park Parent Teacher 
Meetings recently. We shall hear more of this next month. 

The histrionic performance of Mrs. Brouwer at a recent entertain- 
ment in the Campus School left the audience greatly moved. 

Miss Birdsong has difficulty in keeping track of many of the at- 
tractive furnishings of her room. Whether it be a fern, a table or a vase 
you need in a hurry, you are bound to find just the right kind in her 
room. 



26 



THE TOWER LIGHT 




1. on balmy days and all the effects that may accompany them. 

2. on our spunky dancing faculty, (folk dance assembly) 

3. on more doughnuts in the dormitory, 
on a profitable and joyous N. Y. trip. 
on the seniors who have weathered the storm and are back in home 

port. 

6. on progress being made in the development of our glen — may it be 

the scene of many happy gatherings. 

7. on the inspired contributions to the Tower Light. 

8. on the one point by which hung the fate of a worthy class. 

9. on the splendid spirit shown by all classes at the Girl's Demon- 

stration. 

10. on everyone who helped make the Tower Light dance a genuine 

success. 

11. on the nursery — may it blossom soon! 



4. 
5- 




1. on the regularity with which the bus appears for student teachers. 

2. on jay-walking — it's unhealthy. 

3. on the guy who invented spring fever. 

4. on the never-ceasing music for freshman dance tests that floats 

through the garden and into sudents' rooms. 

5. on those who persist in talking during assembly periods. 



27 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



STUDY 
Study 

Clothing 

Shelter 



Communication . 



Campus School Excursions 

EDUCATORS know that a trip to see how a vase is made or how water 
is purified makes a far more vivid and lasting impression than ma- 
terial read from books. Then, too, after a trip, printed material 
becomes increasingly clear and meaningful. To know how the cup we 
drink from daily was transformed from earthy clay to the glazed and 
painted porcelain, is but an example of how seeing for one's self makes 
life richer and more interesting. 

In the Campus School excursions have been taken whenever learn- 
ing values justified such activities and transportation facilities were 
available. The following is a partial list of trips taken by the Campus 
School, along with the study which occasioned the trips. The list is 
arranged from lower to upper grades. 

EXCURSION 

Excursion. 
Sheep in Druid Hill Park 
Houses Under Construction at Rogers Forge 
Towson Post Office 
Parcel Post Building in Baltimore 
Campus Farm 

Dulaney Valley Poultry Farm 
Essex Dairy Farm 
Procter Gamble Soap Plant 
Camden Station in Baltimore 
Exhibit at Hochschild Kohn's Airport 
Walters' Art Museum (Egyptian Art) 
Baltimore Museum of Art (Xecture and Slides 

Egyptian Art and Architecture) 
Glass Factory 

Academy of Science Observatory (Orion) 
Academy of Science Lectures and Pictures 

Baltimore Harbor 

Baltimore Art Museum Lecture and. Slides on 

Gothic Architecture 
Collecting Trip on Campus and Glen 
Observation Trip on Campus and in Glen 
Baltimore Art Museum Lecture and Slides on 

Colonial Homes and Furniture 
Baltimore Art Museum — American Wing 
Ridgely Mansion on Dulaney Valley Road 
Carroll Mansion at Mount Claire Park 



Farm. 



Colonial Soap Making 
Transportation 

Ancient Egyptian Life 



Moon and Stars 

China, Caribbean Sea, 
Mexico 

Baltimore City 

Medieval Life 



Insect Life . 
Tree Study . 



Colonial Life. 



28 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Read and study books? Yes. Visit farm, factory, and museum with 
parents and friends? By all means. But as a part of the organized plan of 
education, let us push aside the limits of the class-room walls and take 
children to see world-famous art treasures, the world at work and the 
out-door story that nature has to tell. Let us give reality to the ma- 
terials of education through well planned school excursions. 

Alumni Notes 

MRS. MARY KANE TOLSON 

rr is with regret that we announce the passing of Mrs. Mary Kane 
Tolson at the age of eighty-seven, on March 22, 1935. Mrs. Tolson 
was graduated with honors from The Maryland State Normal 
School in June, 1877. She was a member of our faculty from 1879 to 
1887, specializing in English. She married Mr. William Tolson, a prin- 
cipal of one of the schools of Baltimore City. Mrs. Tolson was a most 
capable and beloved teacher. Many alumni sorrow at her passing. 

Miss Helen V. Stromberg, M. S. N. S. '34, was married recently to 
Mr. Ridgely Jones of Sykesville, Maryland. 

Hits and Bits 

The Ursinus Weekly, publication of Ursinus College, announces the 
shattering of a new record. The radio was listened to for one full hour 
without the familiar phrase, "We're Not Afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf", 
being heard. 

A system of adult education by radio by means of listening centers 
in the Kentucky mountains has been inaugurated by the University of 
Kentucky. 

The Crimson White tells us of a certain professor at Wisconsin State 
College who recommends the old institution of cramming, because it 
represents concentration of the highest order. He further asserts that 
modern psychologists believe knowledge gained more rapidly will be 
retained longer. 

The Morrow Dormitory at Amherst has been presented a library of 
3,000 volumes by Mrs. Dwight Morrow, wife of the late ambassador 
and trustee of the Union Theological Seminary. This will be the third 
dormitory library at Amherst. 

29 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



' 'The next person who interrupts or says anything irrelevant during 
this recitation will be put out of class." 
"Hurrah for the professor." 



Women can keep a secret ju^t as well as men, but generally it takes 
more of them to do it. 



Forty of the 70 candidates who reported for the football squad at 
Notre Dame in 1933 had been captains of their. respective prep school 
teams. 

Fraternity houses at Rutgers University employ 140 students, 
whose combined yearly earnings are $26,300. Most of these men work 
at washing dishes and waiting on tables. 

According to a professor at Washington University, students who 
aim for "A" grades are barren of personality. Those who get "C" are 
the ones who move the world. 



"That book you sold me was awful — terrible." 
"What do you have to complain about? You have one. I have 
thousands." 



Algernon (reading jokes) — "Fancy this, Percy. A chap here thinks 
a football coach has four legs." 

Percy — "Ha, ha, ha, ha. And how many wheels has the bally 
thing?' ' 

Little Izzy is a funny 

And eccentric sort of waif; 
Swallowed all his sister's money — 

Said that he was playing safe. 



From the Smith College Weekly we learn that: Success consists 
not so much in sitting up nights as being awake in the daytime. 



An extension class at the University of Hawaii holds its classes on 
the rim of a volcano so that the students may better study botany, 
geology, and volcanic phenomena. 

Yes, and at some later date Newton's "law of gravity". 



30 



It pays to stop at the 
311 York Road Opposite Motion Picture Theatre 

Apparel of (JteBte for % Woman Who (Earra 

The Uptown Store with the Downtown Prices 



You Will Enjoy Our 

SUNDAES and SODAS 

Arundel 

Ice Cream Shoppe 

420 York Road Towson, Md. 

We Deliver at Any Time 

Just Phone Towson 73 



KAMPUS 
ITCHEN 



Burke Ave. 
Towson, Md. 



Luncheon and Dinner 

Moderate Prices 

Home-baked Pies and Cakes 

Buns Rolls Cookies 

Phone: Towson 199 



MICROSCOPES 

ALL TYPES AND SIZES 

For Elementary or Advanced Research 

Also Remodeling and Repairing 

ALLAN UHLER 
Optical Works 

200 East 22nd Street Chesapeake 0655 

Phone Towson 905 

The Penn Hotel 

Conveniently located at 

1 5 West Pennsylvania Ave. 

TOWSON, MD. 

Delicious Meals • Large Rooms 

Homelike Atmosphere 

Excellent Service 

DANCING PARKING SPACE 

You Won't Want To Leave 



Edward E. Burns M. Frank Burns 

John Burns' Sons 
Funeral Directors 

Towson, Md. 
C. & P. Telephone 205 




TOWSON, MARYLAND 
It's really a home when it's planted by Towson 



Compliments 

of a 

Friend 

You will find at Hutder's 

The Smartest of Clothes 

The Fairest of Prices 

The Best of Service 

HUTZLERBPaTHERSS 

Baltimore, Md. 

CONSOLIDATED BEEF AND 
PROVISION CO. 

Baltimore Dressed Beef Provisions 

Packing House Products 

17. S. Gov. Inspected Establishment 212 

Baltimore's newest modern 

day-light food plant 

Visitors Welcome 

LOMBARD AND EXETER STREETS 



Our Junior Miss and Young Fellows' 
Shops on the Fourth Floor are foremost 
in style for the collegiate miss and youth. 

TRe @2 Hub 

". of Charles St." 


Samuel Itfrfe & £>on, 3tat. 

Jewelers » Stationers « Silversmiths 
421 North Charles Street 

DIAMONDS » GOLD JEWELRY 

WRIST WATCHES » FINE STATIONERY 

GIFTS IN SILVERWARE 

Founded i8ij 


MASON'S GARAGE & 
SERVICE STATION 

Official AAA Station 
Towson, Md. 
24-Hour Service 


Compliments 

of 

Hochschild, Kohn & Go. 


Compliments 

of a 

Friend 


LOUISE BEAUTY SHOPPE 

32 York Road 

Smart Distinctive Waves and 
Haircuts at Moderate Prices 

Convenient for Normal School 
Phone: Towson 1022 


Josef 

HAIR DRESSERS 

Telephone, Plaza 4136 


223 W. Saratoga Street 

2nd Floor 


TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16 & 17 
EDWARD G. ROBINSON 

THE WHOLE TOWN'S 
TALKING 

IP If" Xi OF BEAUTY 

lilL\ till -/\k. 4600 York Road 


lie 

Second national jSank 
of lottison, Ml 


Rex News 

What happens when a timid little clerk is mistaken for a desperado 
is humorously depicted in "The Whole Town's Talking", a fast- 
moving, exciting comedy-drama which comes to the Rex Theater, 4600 
York Road, Tuesday and Wednesday, April 16 and 17. Edward G. Rob- 
inson is cast in the starring role of Arthur Jones, the harassed book- 
keeper whose life is transformed by his resemblance to the rogue, Man- 
nion. "The Whole Town's Talking" is said to be the most exciting 
picture in a decade. 



The Tower Light 




^lp 



IJlavyland State Dotmal School 
at Towson 

T O W S O N , MB. 



CONTENTS 

Page 

God's Gift 3 

Conservation Week at M.S.N.S 4 

Poetry 7 

The Life and Mind of Emily Dickenson 10 

To Marc Connelly 13 

Prejudice 14 

Glee Club Program at Cockeysville 15 

Editorials 16 

Thun Lake 18 

Circus Advertising 19 

School News 22 

Faculty Notes 24 

A Lonely Little New Englander 27 

Advertisements 31 



The Towev Light 



Vol. VIII MAY, 1935 No. 8 



God's Gift 

Created by an infinite power sent from heaven, God molded and 
transformed it into a precious form called "Mother." Delicate, 
sweet, and pure, He made her. Into the mold, He poured some- 
thing unknown that makes her able to face and experience the things 
of life. Her pattern might not have been lovely and beautiful to all, 
but to her children her grace and charm beam above the rest. Like a 
guardian angel does she hover over us and guide us. In our trials and 
moments of sorrow, mother always remains faithful. Many a night, 
mother lies awake with a troubled heart and eyes that pierce the dark. 
Why? It is for her child's sake. It is hard for her to witness many 
scenes, but with her everlasting courage, she does abide with us. To 
her, we can turn for advice and words of encouragement. How many 
things she does for our happiness ! If we had one wish, we should de- 
sire that her pleasures might always be as delightful as the deeds she 
does for us. She is the sole necessity of our life — she molds us; she 
transforms us; she controls us; she makes us what we are. Are we in 
turn appreciative of her? 

No, sometimes we are ungrateful for the things she does. Yet, with 
our tiny tokens of love and by little deeds of courtesy only understood 
by a mother, we make her happy. In all situations, we place her on a 
pedestal and worship her and her ideals. 

Edith Jones, Fr. I. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Conservation Week at M. S. N. S. 

Miss Stella E. Brown gave the following radio talk over WBAL on 
Nature Trails, on April 11, for the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland. 

NATURE TRAILS 

The trail has played an important part in the history of our 
country. The buffalo trails of prehistoric time became the trails 
of the Indians. They later became the arteries of communication 
used by the pony express and covered wagon. As migrations moved 
westward these same trails determined the routes of the railroads and 
paved highways. Thus were the early trails absorbed by modern 
transportation. 

But the love of the trail still lingers. Nature lovers, hikers and 
campers seek the foot paths for release from the ardors of modern life. 
For some, this experience spells adventure; for others, friendship and 
protection; for many, peace and communion; and for still others, 
inspiration and creation. 

Many officials are laying out trails through the public parks for 
the benefit of citizens who like to stroll where the landscape has inter- 
esting physical features and vegetation. Bear Mountain Park along the 
Hudson River is one of the places that offers this form of out-of-door 
education. The development was directed through the cooperation of 
the American Natural History Museum of New York and the Com- 
missioners of Palisade Interstate Park. Thousands of children accom- 
panied by teachers, parents and friends visit the park for the purpose 
of enjoying and studying the plant, insect and animal life in their 
natural habitat. Here they learn the principle of conservation, "live 
and let live." 

The trails are narrow foot paths a mile or more in length, offering 
ever changing moods of nature to those who seek their charm. The 
success of a trail is due chiefly to the alluring, well-written, non- 
technical labels that give the names of the specimens and the important 
facts regarding them. 

Maryland, with its varied and beautiful scenery, is well suited 
for the development of outdoor recreation and informal education. 
The arbutus, gentian, trillium and dogwood, as well as many of our 
forest trees, are fast disappearing. Algae, ferns and mosses arefrequently 
disturbed in their struggle for existence. Even the law fails to protect 
them in hidden places. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



But, a group of people with a common interest, a chosen place, a 
determination to study, cherish, and protect nature's gifts can start 
a nature trail and translate some of its wonders for those who would 
not know them otherwise. The Appalachian Trail that passes along 
the crest of the mountains of Maryland has been sponsored by nature 
lovers for more than fifty years. Some teachers make regular trips with 
their children to the haunts of nature. But this privilege should be the 
birthright of every man, woman and child in our land. 

The Federated Garden Clubs co-operating with the Garden Club 
of America invite the children, teachers and other citizens of the state 
to help them promote the development of nature trails for conservation 
and recreation. 

May the opportunity to promote this program challenge the 
interest and ardent support of every Marylander? 

Stella E. Brown. 

Written for Conservation Bulletin, issued by Maryland Federated Garden Clubs 
under the direction of Miss Elizabeth L. Clark, Conservation Chairman. 

CONSERVATION WEEK IN THE CAMPUS SCHOOL 

The Elementary School opened Conservation Week as the guests 
of the Rural Club on a tour through the glen. The children assembled 
near the cottage and followed the trail down to the spring, turning 
right toward the Council Ring. Here and there stops were made while 
the guides pointed out wild flowers and trees that had been planted. 
At the Council Ring Miss Jacobsen told about the proposed Bird 
Sanctuary and other plans to make the glen more useful. 

During Conservation Week, two trees, an arbor vitae and a white 
pine were placed about half way between the Elementary School and 
the parking space. 

On Friday morning, the official Arbor Day assembly was held at 
the usual time. Miss Brown gave a talk on plans for the glen. One of 
the interesting things she mentioned was that the stones lying at the 
bottom of the hill in the glen were to be used for building a shelter. 
Then a representative from each grade gave a talk on what that grade 
had been doing for conservation. The classes had been studying birds, 
making bird houses and a bird sanctuary sign, collecting wild flowers, 
caring for the rock garden, observing the growth and work of trees on 
the campus, arranging a tree and twig exhibit in the corridor, and 
studying conservation work going on in the United States. After the 
talks on conservation, the newly planted trees were dedicated; to in- 
crease the beauty and add to the resources of the Campus. The special 
chorus sang "Out of Doors" and "The Tree Song." 

The spirit of springtime and joy in the out-of-door world was 
present everywhere. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



THE QUOTA CLUB 

On Tuesday evening, April 23, the Quota Club of Baltimore, which 
has given several loan scholarships to Normal School students, were 
entertained at the school. The Girls' Service Committee with the 
Quota Juniors whom they have helped in securing an education, met 
at the entrance of the glen in the late afternoon and with a short, im- 
pressive service planted three beautiful Japanese Cherry Trees on the 
slopes amidst a background of hemlock, bitter sweet, tiger lilies and 
violets contributed by other Quotarians. In connection with the pro- 
gram a beautiful poem, entitled "On the Hill Top," was read, after 
which Joyce Kilmer's "Trees" was sung by Ruth Hershfield Forward, 
one of the Quota Juniors, who was accompanied by Frieda Etelson on 
the violin. Miss Anna Trentham, Chairman of the Girls' Service Com- 
mittee, in the name of the Baltimore Quota Club, presented the trees 
to the School Glen. They were accepted by Edith Crouse, a Quota 
Junior who is a student and a member of the Rural Life Club. ' 'America 
the Beautiful" was sung, and Arthur Guiterman's poem, "Blessing on 
the Woods" was read as a benediction. 



CONTRIBUTIONS FOR GLEN PROJECT 

Mrs. Edward Shroeder, of Perry Hall, Baltimore County, gave 
six beautiful arbor vitae trees, four box and some small plants. 

Mrs. Elmer Haile sent one hundred German iris bulbs that have 
been planted along a trail. 

Through the enthusiasm of Miss Anne Trentham many members of 
the Garden Clubs of Baltimore County have offered lilies of the valley, 
iris, forsythia, and lilacs. These will be delivered as soon as the men 
of the Works Division return for work in the glen. 

Senator Mary Risteau, a member of the State Board of Education, 
has offered one hundred trees from her woods. 

Mrs. Louise Clark, chairman of the Blue Ridge Garden Club, do- 
nated wild flowers from the "Nature Trail" at Sabillasville for our 
hillside near the Council Ring. 

Colonel Edward Carrington gave us four hundred trees including 
dogwood and red bud that were planted last fall under the supervision 
of Mr. David Prince of the State Forestry Department. 

Other contributions will be named later. 

We are still in need of the following trees : hemlock, hawthorne, 
cypress, mulberry, fruit-bearing trees for the birds, nut-bearing trees, 
and flowers for the trails. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Spring 

Green pastures — 

Flowers frilling, 

Frogs trilling, 

World thrilling 
To a "song" of spring. 
Blue skies — 

Swallows skimming, 

Life beginning; 

Nature flinging 
The beauty of spring. 

E. Turner. 

Spring Magic 

The World is very old; 

But year by year 

It groweth new again 

When buds appear. 

The World is very old; 

And sometimes sad; 

But when the daisies come 

The World is glad. 

The World is very old; 

But every Spring 

It groweth young again, 

And fairies sing. 

Cicely Mary Barker. 
(Exchange) 

Skipping Ropes 

Someday 
June shall 
Have, she 
Hopes, 
Rainbows 
For her 
Skipping 
Ropes. 

By Dorothy Aldis. 

From her book "Everything and Anything," p. 99. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



People 

I sit on a high hill and watch the trains go by. 

I think they lag at the bottom of my hill 

So that I can see into their mysterious recesses 

Where young women powder their pretty noses 

And fat old men read their newspapers, 

Where tired, dirty workmen lean their heads against the windows 

And wish that they were home, perhaps, 

Where shining black faces bend obsequiously 

Over fussy old ladies' tables 

And curse the old ladies in their hearts. 

My friend would like to be on a train 

Going somewhere 

But I stay where I am and travel too. 

Margaret Cooley. 



GZZbJ&^SS 



Prelude to Spring 

Rain-drenched April 
Spread her soft, wet blanket 
Over dusty, dry earth. 
The thirsty land drank heavily 
Of the blessed, heaven-sent waters. 
Clouds of many moods, 
With threats or gay caprice 
Hold unchallenged sway. 

Soon the warm sun's rays 

Penetrate the dewy, dark depths 

Of rich earth. In the ground 

A quickening beat of pulsating life 

Is felt. The bursting buds 

Throb into blooming sprays of color, 

As dark, drab forests assume 

Brilliant, gay hues. 

Spring's prelude! 

H. B. 



8 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



I'm Glad 

I'm glad the sky is painted blue, 
And the earth is painted green, 

With such a lot of nice fresh air 
All sandwiched in between. 



Anonymous 

From "The Junior Poetry Cure" 

By Robert Schauffler, page 233. 



Cx^JKL^FS) 



Spring Afternoon in the Street 

Girls jumping over a writhing rope 

Tripping as it catches their middle. 

A yellow car whirring by. Going where? 

White sun painting a brownstone house 

Shining in a nosy neighbor's eyes. 

Blue sky rising over the backs of tall roofs, 

A path of white leading upward where a black bird soars. 

M. C. 



£C^JKL^S5 



Tribute 

In him are burning the fires of all primal instincts 
For he is a creator — 

Born with the "hate of hate" 

And the "love of love" 

And spurred on by impulse. 
So does he fill me with strength — 

A strength of inspiration 

An urge to create the beautiful. 

Margaret Knauer. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



"The Life and Mind of Emily Dickenson'' 

By Genevieve Taggard 

Genevieve Taggard's "The Life and Mind of Emily Dickenson" 
is both a tribute to and a defense of the poetess. Miss Dicken- 
son is revealed as a human and very sensitive woman, not as 
the sour recluse that legend makes her. In this biographer's eyes Emily 
could do no wrong; she was merely a victim of circumstances. It seems 
that Miss Dickenson had a father who loved her mightily and was 
accordingly jealous of everything that was hers — books, flowers, 
friends, lovers. For that reason, Emily forgot them all and stayed in 
her room to ruin her eyesight writing poetry by candlelight. 

If one does not study the story carefully, he is apt to find himself 
somewhat muddled when he has finished reading. Miss Taggard gives 
any number of dates, but she mixes them up in a most alarming fashion. 
The main purpose of the book, as the title indicates, is to describe the 
life and mind of Emily Dickenson. Miss Taggard keeps to her avowed 
purpose, dividing the life of her subject into several periods, each of 
which tells some facts of the life of the poetess and the corresponding 
effect upon her mind. It is easy enough to point out these periods, but 
it is exceedingly difficult to place in chronological order every indi- 
vidual fact in the book. To remedy such a situation, Miss Taggard has 
in the Appendix a chronological table called "Ninety-nine years' 
calendar or dates pertaining to the life and work of Emily Dickenson." 
But why should we quibble over such an unimportant matter as dates 
when a biographer presents us with such well-selected and interesting 
material as Miss Taggard has done? She has made use of contemporary 
books, letters and papers, later books about Miss Dickenson and even 
the works of the poetess. The letters and poems have been used 
thoughtfully throughout the book to illustrate many important facts 
about the major characters. The illustrations — pictures of manuscripts, 
of people who figured in Emily's life, and of scenes in Amherst where 
most of the action is carried on — serve to build a clearer picture of the 
characters and the setting of the story. 

There have been so many legends about Emily Dickenson and so 
many conflicting statements about her life that it must have been a 
difficult task to choose the facts that were true and cast out those that 
were merely myths. I believe Miss Taggard has had some measure of 
success in compiling a true story from all the evidence she had at hand, 
and she has presented her information in a thoughtful and interesting 
manner. The story moves slowly, but not ponderously, for it is too 

10 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



much alive with the mind of Emily Dickenson to be boring. At times, 
there are possibilities for drama, but Miss Taggard skips over such 
situations by having Emily write a letter about the joy or sorrow, 
whichever it might be, and letting it go at that. We are never allowed 
to feel any emotion toward Emily save that of unbounded admiration. 
Humorous situations and thoughts too are ignored. Emily was a 
bright, gay child if we may believe Miss Taggard, but according to 
her the lonely poetess had no sense of humor. But I am inclined to 
disagree when Emily says to me: 

I'm nobody. Who are you? 
Are you nobody too? 

The biographer's point of view is ever judicial. She consults all 
her references, decides from the evidence pooled what is correct and 
then she presents the facts to her reader. But Miss Taggard does color 
Emily's character with her own opinions. She will accept no accounts 
that seem to deny her own idea that Miss Dickenson was a rather 
unhappy child who had grown old too soon through the selfishness 
of a jealous father and who had learned to exist with only her thoughts 
for companions. 

In spite of the fact that little of Miss Dickenson's work was pub- 
lished before her death, she has been represented as a part of the world 
of poetry of her time — not in action, but at least in thought. She 
studied Shakespeare, and she was vastly interested in her contempo- 
raries, Elizabeth and Robert Browning. She read avidly and always 
was she influenced in her writing by what she read. She had but one 
contact with the outside world and that was through her letters. She 
carried on eager correspondence with several friends and with Thomas 
Higgenson, a man of letters of the time. 

I had read so many stories about Emily Dickenson, all represent- 
ing her as a dour hermit that if I had not read some of her poems before 
hearing these stories, I should not have been interested in her at all. 
Even now, after reading Miss Taggard's decidedly enlightening ac- 
count, I am not at all sure that I have the whole truth. So I shall 
continue to study Emily Dickenson through her poetry,, for to know 
her poetry is to know the poetess. 

Margaret Cooley, Senior 1. 



11 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



" S~*^ ood reading is not only a magic carpet to take us beyond the 
I --. mysterious walls that usually hide from us other lives as well 
^— ' * as other lands and times. It can startle us with sudden new 
understanding of ourselves, of things in us hidden from eyes that have 
grown dull, or even crossed by staring at the immediate realities of our 
daily existence. 

Good writing has been defined significantly, if rather too simply, 
as just a matter of using the right word. The right word is the word 
that expresses my meaning exactly. In the fullest and best sense, it is 
not only the word which gives my meaning literally and correctly, but 
the word which also suggests all that I may feel or experience in con- 
nection with what I am saying. 

The rules of good expression are simply general definitions or 
descriptions of how the mind works. They set the wide limits 
within which all minds — yours and mine and Aristotle's and Mamie 
O'Rourke's and Shakespeare's — must work if they are to function in 
full health, freely and vigorously, in accordance with their nature. 
By conforming to the rules and laws of good writing I am simply being 
myself in so far as my mind is by its nature like the minds of other 
men. Rule and law will help toward really good writing only when 
they are made integral and vital in our thought. 

Coming to know other minds, by watching them at work, is one 
of the most clearly evident rewards for engaging in bouts of talk. But 
usually an even more important return than this may come from a 
"session." This arises from the necessity — so often apparent in infor- 
mal discussion — of clarifying thought and defining terms, of knowing 
what we really mean by the terms we use and by the things we say 
we believe. 

Man is not only an argumentative animal; he has dreams, moods, 
tastes. There are still those who gaze at the moon on summer nights, 
and now even those who like tomato juice. "Let us be thankful for our 
prejudices," says the American critic, Huneker; "they lend to life a 
meaning." They do add meaning to it, by making it more interesting, 
by giving it gusto and flavor. 

But the greatest reward from this writing to share experience 
often comes to us in the form of a new richness and depth in the ex- 
perience itself, gained through the attempt to write about it." 



"If ever I am a teacher, it will be to learn more than to teach." — 
Mad. Delu%y. 

12 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



To Marc Connelly 



Yes, "de Lawd" is dead. It seems incredible, does it not? After 
thirty years of steady perseverance, of mighty characterization, 
of beautiful loyalty, or inspiring enaction — our beloved Richard 
B. Harrison has quietly passed away and left us to our precious mental 
souvenirs. To us, as well as to you, Marc Connelly, this actor, is 
invincible. He has made your "Green Pastures" a tangible spot. We 
have breathed the fragrance of its atmosphere; we have spoken to its 
populace; we have stood in awe at its life, pulsating with the rhythmic 
beat of life in all its splendor. "De Lawd" it was Whom the people 
looked up to for encouragement, He it was Whom they loved and 
worshipped for the blessings He bestowed upon them, He it was Who 
always had a funny joke to tell, and He it was Who made your "Green 
Pastures" what it is. We wonder at Richard B. Harrison in incredulous 
amazement, for it is hard to believe that this actor of actors was 
mortal. Surely, Marc Connelly, he perpetuated your beautiful play. 
His excellent, even divine, portrayal of "de Lawd" is a thing which 
will always be alive, burningly penetrating in the hearts of many as a 
fervently vivid memory. How sad, Marc Connelly, to have so dear 
and good a person (for he was good) leave you so unassumingly and 
so calmly. How depressing, Marc Connelly, to have empty a space 
that will never again be as richly and successfully filled as heretofore. 
Yet how fortunate, Marc Connelly, to have had so beautiful a person 
as Richard B. Harrison immortalize your greatest character! 

Sylvia Bernstein. 



"It is the hardest thing in the world to be a good thinker without 
being a good self-examiner." — Shaftsbury. 



"Good humor is the health of the soul; sadness is its poison." — 
Stanislaus. 



"Friendship is a plant of slow growth, and must undergo and 
withstand the shocks of adversity before it is entitled to the appella- 
tion.' ' — Washington. 

13 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Prejudice 



Schubert's "Ave Maria" was gliding from the organ of Pastor 
W.'s church. This was more than the pastor had bargained for. 
Should he move with stately tread to the organ and scornfully 
tell the organist that this sprt of thing was not tolerated in his church? 
He hesitated. Then the pastor laid his impulse on the altar of etiquette, 
and kept his place, promising himself, however, to fire that new 
organist right after the service. 

Miss Priscilla, in the congregation, pricked up her ears when the 
first strains of the gorgeous melody greeted them. What beautiful 
music! That new organist is a wonder! With one eye fixed warily on 
Pastor W., she whispered her feelings to her friend beside her, and 
asked her the name of the piece. 

The friend whispered back, "That's 'Ave Maria' by Schu ." 

She went no further, since she was interrupted by a shocked gasp 
from Miss Priscilla, who threw up her hands in holy horror. The next 
instant, she was holding her breath in fear; Pastor W. was gazing at 
her. Expecting to be wilted by one of his searing, reprimanding stares, 
she received a pleasant surprise. He was smiling at her — an under- 
standing, ashamed, tight-lipped ghost of a smile. Then he, too, saw 
what was wrong. Miss Priscilla sighed her relief. 

This little episode reminds one of a letter received by a prominent 
group of radio entertainers. It requested them not to use the term 
"comrade," since that is the term that the Russian Reds use in speak- 
ing to each other. 

Perhaps it is a little premature to expect many church-goers to 
adopt anything but biased views toward religion. It does seem a 
shame, however, that these people will give vent to their childish 
feelings on beautiful music. 

E. M., Sr. 3. 



14 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Glee Club Program at Cockeysville 

n Thursday, May 9, at 8:00 P. M., the Glee Club sang for the 
Parent-Teachers' Association at the Cockeysville School. The 
program was as follows: 



O 



Sanctus Mozart 

Foreword for a Song Book (adapted from C Minor Symphony), 

Brahms 
Chorus 

The Spirit Flower Campbell-Tipton 

Emily Ross, Bernice Shapos, Eleanor Wilson, Edward 

MacCubbin, Myron Mezick. 
Sing, Sing Birds on the Wing Nutting 

Emily Ross, Bernice Shapos, Doris Middleton, 

Eleanor Wilson. 
I Got Shoes Negro Spiritual 

Max Berzofsky, Morris Miller, Leonard Woolf, 

Merton Fishel. 

An Open Secret Woodman 

Mary Stewart Lewis. 
Rolling Down to Rio Edw. German 

Myron Mezick. 

Peter, Peter Old German Tune 

Chorus. 
Old King Cole Forsyth 

Isadore Cohen, Theodore Woronka, Edward MacCubbin, 

Irvin Samuelson. 

Hey Marinka Bohemian Folk Song 

Cuckoo Shaw 

Girls' Chorus. 
Brown October Ale DeKoven 

Men's Chorus. 
Lullaby Mozart 

Chorus. 

15 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Tower Light 

Published monthly by the students of the Maryland State 
Normal School at Totvson 

STUDENT EDITORS 

Editor Managing Editor 

Mary-Stewart Lewis Mary Douglas 

Business Manager 
Earl Palmer 

Circulation Managers Advertising Managers 

Mary B. Yeager Elsie Meiners 

Irene Shank Justus Meyer 

Dorothea Stinchcomb Betty Rust 
Jeanette Mathias 

DEPARTMENT EDITORS 

Assembly Athletics General Literature 

Ruth Keir Theodore Woronka Edward Turner 

Helene Ziegler Fairfax Brooke 

Poetry Social Secretarial Staff 

Herman Bainder Mary Bucher Hilda Farbman 

Elizabeth Goodhand Dorothy Gonce 

Science Eulalie Smith 
Edith Waxman Music 

Library Sarena Fried Humor 

Ruth Hale Gene Benbow 

$1.50 per year 20 cents per copy 

Alice Munn, Faculty Adviser 



Orchid Given to Miss Tall 

{From The Baltimore News) 

Another Baltimore woman who set a specialized standard ac- 
^A ceptable to the nation was singled out today for recognition 
■* ^ with the presentation to Miss Lida Lee Tall, president of the 
Maryland Teachers' Training College, with an orchid. 

16 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



She was given the floral tribute in her office in the State Normal 
School, Towson, by Mrs. Isabel J. DeMuth, florist, who congratulated 
her for the high standard of education she has given the country 
through the training school. 

Both Miss Tall and Mrs. DeMuth are members of the Baltimore 
Quota Club, and the latter was selected by the Florist Telegraph 
Delivery Association to make the presentation because of their mutual 
club affiliations. It was the sixth "Walter Winchell orchid" presented 
in Baltimore in connection with the National Flower Week. The 
seventh and final presentation will be made tomorrow. 



Spring Fever 



Spring Fever! No doubt you have already been stricken by this 
dire disease, this pesky plague which returns early each spring to 
torment human sufferers. If not, you are exceptional, but do not 
for one moment consider yourself immune, for, of all the fevers known 
to mankind, scarlet fever, typhoid fever, hay fever — spring fever is 
the most contagious. Its grasping hands reach everywhere, and every- 
one eventually succumbs to its awful spell. 

I must confess that I, too, am a victim, and the disease is upon 
me in its worst stages. How can I work when the sun is smiling so 
radiantly in a clear blue sky, when birds flit about among budding 
trees and sing sweet songs? My study is neglected, housework cries 
aloud for attention, and my mentality is at its lowest ebb. I sit gazing 
out of the window, dreaming of what, I do not know. And each day 
that fiendish Spring Fever tightens his clutch upon me. 

But I am not the only one whom he has attacked. One glance at 
Normalites tramping through the glen arm in arm, spending school 
hours in a stupor, walking home without any books, and whiling 
away the evening absentmindedly reading a romantic novel or listen- 
ing to the soothing strains of Wayne King's music proves this. Even 
our staid and stolid teachers are beginning to feel this scourge of 
spring. Business men may be found in their offices asleep, their feet 
propped up on their desks, their chairs tilted back at a precarious 
angle, a newspaper swinging lazily in their hands, and their work 
lying before them unfinished. Parks are filled with lovers, nature wor- 
shippers, artists, and dreamers. Love is at its height, causing adoles- 
cents to spend all their time on their toilet and all their money on 

17 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



flowers for that girl friend who is "so sweet." Animals, too, are 
stricken by Spring Fever; dogs lie basking themselves in the sun, 
contentedly blinking one eye while cats stroll nonchalantly by. Birds 
alone seem to escape infection and glorify spring in their songs, while 
we poor mortals feel our faculties becoming duller and duller with 
each chirp. 

What can we do to overcome this powerful enemy, Spring Fever? 
He, ingenious one that he is, creeps upon us so subtly and strikes with 
such speed and force that we are powerless to overcome him. Science 
has cures and preventives for all other fevers, but Spring Fever, the 
black sheep of his family, is left unhindered to wreak his annual 
destruction upon the world. Do you desire to be famous? If so, just 
rid the earth of this pesky disease, and you will win not only world- 
wide popularity, but also the deep gratitude of every living person! 

Virginia Hagerty, Fr. I. 



Thun Lake 

My favorite picture at the art exhibit at Towson High School is 
Thun Lake by Zuricher. Beyond the splendor of a virgin 
forest a picturesque lake nestles snugly in the motherly em- 
brace of the old lavender mountains. These mountains cast slender 
shadows in the mirror-like (lake. A long zigzag path winds its dusty 
body through the low grasslands leading toward the peaceful solitude 
of the enchanting lake. Stately pines hum quaint lullabies rhythmically 
with the wind. The pastel shades of the autumn leaves blend har- 
moniously with the other scenic views. The deep clefts of an enormous 
rock in the foreground are covered with autumn flowers, telling the 
onlookers that the cold season of the year will arrive in a short time. 

Agnes Mullen Hicks, 
Towson Elementary School, 
Grade 7, Age 12. 



18 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Circus Advertising 



Two thousand dollars a day for advance advertising! Have you 
ever wondered how the circus posters reached their places so 
long before the company arrived in town? The circus accepts no 
outside help and follows a definite plan of organization. Three weeks 
ahead of the circus comes the "Bill Car" containing its own boiler for 
making paste, lockers equipped with billing, and papers to last two 
months. There are, too, sleeping quarters for the twenty to twenty-five 
men who tack banners and paste posters. Along with this comes the 
general contracting agent who arranges for grounds, billboards, ex- 
hibition and parade licenses, banners which overnight appear on the 
front of trolley cars, and food for the entire company and menagerie. 
Following the "Bill Car" comes the "No. 1 Car, ' whose duty it is to 
paste more billing and tack more banners. Some bills are placed forty 
miles outside the city. Two more cars, one two weeks, the other, one 
week before the circus, repair the billing that has been torn or blown. 
In addition, these cars fight opposing circuses, advertise in the paper, 
and check up on the work of the cars that have gone ahead. A day 
before the circus arrives the "twenty-four-hour man" is on duty. He 
sees that the fire department has a man staioned at the fire plug nearest 
the circus grounds to supply water for the sprinkling carts, horses, 
elephants, and lemonade. He attends to the clearing of the grounds in 
that high weeds are cut down and the holes filled. Sidewalk crossings 
are well provided with boarding to protect them from the heavy circus 
wagons. Using small red flags, the "twenty-four-hour man" lays out 
the plan of the circus. After checking up on twenty or thirty other 
items he may go to bed until four in the morning, when he must 
await the arrival of the show cars, arouse the crew, and direct the 
food wagon to its place. Perhaps now you can see that there is more 
to a circus than the show. 

Marguerite Schorr, Jr. 3. 



"With the fearful strain that is on me night and day, if I did not 
laugh I should die." — Abraham Lincoln. 



"Love really has nothing to do with wisdom or experience or 
logic. It is the prevailing breeze in the land of youth." — Bruno Lessing. 



"As charity covers a multitude of sins before God, so does polite- 
ness before men." — Greville. 

19 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Assemblies 

On March 22, 1935, Senior One presented an original version of 
"Hansel und Gretel." This presentation was the outgrowth of a 
"Children's Literature" course. Harmony between scenery and cos- 
tumes was one of the aims of the play, which made it necessary for 
the class to make its own scenery. 

DR. CALDWELL: 

Dr. Caldwell, of the Lincoln experimental school at Columbia, 
talked recently at assembly. He mentioned at the beginning of his 
address that Miss Tall worked with him in promoting this school, 
and that her influence is still felt there. We should have, Dr. Caldwell 
stated, education for our goal, but in order to achieve this big goal we 
must achieve smaller goals as tools for work. A first grader works at 
the first steps of reading, then as his experiences vary, he adds to his 
vocabulary. This step achieved, he then reads for interest and pleasure. 
What to read is a great problem. We must choose by standards not 
based merely upon those of best sellers and newspapers. 

Self-respect is essential to progress and achievement of goals is 
necessary. These goals if achieved properly are helps on the journey 
toward education. We should always take our smaller goals seriously 
and not overlook one as we travel toward our topmost pinnacle. 

Ruth Keir. 
DR. MANN: 

Dr. Mann, a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Jena, 
gave us a vivid description of present-day Germany under the Hitler 
regime. She traced for us briefly German development from before the 
Great War to the present time. 

Germany was defeated in the war. She lost a great deal, but under 
the splendid leadership of President Von Hindenberg she made rapid 
progress. At the death of Von Hindenberg, Adolf Hitler took over the 
reins of government, ruling Germany with an iron hand. Today, Ger- 
many is Nazi Germany. Militarism in all phases is a potent factor 
under Hitler's direction. Press censorship, Jewish persecution, strict 
supervision over governmental teaching in schools, and loss of per- 
sonal freedom characterize Naziism. A plot to overthrow Hitler was 
uncovered, and the speedy trial and execution of seventy-seven persons 
followed. 

Inefficient leaders, according to Dr. Mann, can cause great catas- 
trophies. Good leaders make good nations. 

20 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



MISS HILL: 

Vivid descriptions of Russia, humorous sketches of famous writers, 
a hair-raising mystery thriller — all went together to make us firmly 
resolve to read Woollcott's "While Rome Burns," the book which 
Miss Hill so interestingly told us about during her assembly. 

MISS TALL: 

Did supervision really aid you in your teaching? 

Was your teaching unit helpful to you? 

Does subject matter mean more to you since you are back from 
student teaching? 

These are the questions Miss Tall asked us to think about seriously 
and then discuss with her. Besides these questions, Miss Tall presented 
some rather startling and very interesting statistics comparing the 
scholastic record of students going home every week-end with those 
going home once a month. Still more interesting revelations came 
with statistics on the number of students with foreign-born parents, 
and the comparative enrollment figures. 

H. Ziegler, Sr. 6. 



€visJ2SL-i£F5> 



The Easter Dinner 

On April sixteenth, the annual Easter Dinner of the Resident 
Students was held. This dinner helped to give us the happy 
and joyous spirit of Easter before going home. After the din- 
ner, the group gathered in Richmond Hall Social Room, where our 
two guests, Miss Bessie Stern and Mrs. Gene Ziegfeld, were intro- 
duced. Miss Stern, Statistician of the State Department of Education, 
played several lovely piano selections for us, and Mrs. Ziegfeld, a 
member of the Baltimore Branch of the National League of American 
Penwomen, told us about her short-short story writing in a way that 
made us all want to be creators. 

The evening ended as merrily as it began, with dancing in the 
foyer and many thoughts of home. 

Mary Bucher. 

21 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Montclair Teachers' College 

We came up a steep, curving drive on a bright Thursday morn- 
ing to white Spanish buildings set among trees and New- 
Jersey hills. Members of the Student Council greeted us cor- 
dially and conducted us to classrooms which we were invited to visit. 
These included high-school classes in French and English or college 
classes in American political biography, economics and German 
civilization, but since in the latter class discussion was entirely in 
German, we found our way to one of the others. 

At the end of the class period we attended a meeting in the lovely 
parlor of one of the dormitories. There we met in groups to discuss 
extra-curricular activities in both schools. One of the members of the 
Student Council explained its functions and membership. The treasurer 
told us that the Student Council are financed by a ten-dollar fee, which 
is appropriated to the organizations by the Council. In the dormitory 
we were served an appetizing luncheon during which we were enter- 
tained by a musical trio. 

After luncheon we had a choice of attending either a meeting in 
which the editors of the school publications explained how these were 
carried on or a delightful concert by the school choir. We were inter- 
ested in finding there Miss MacEachern, who helped compose our own 
Alma Mater. She is at present a teacher of music in this school. 

Leaving Montclair about 1:30, we had pleasant memories, not 
only of beautiful buildings and campus but also of a beautiful spirit 
among the students. 

Margaret Claytor. 



"Just got back from a trip around the world." 

"Great! Did you stop in Egypt?" 

"Oh, yes." 

"Go up the Nile?" 

"Sure! Swell view from the top." 

According to the Pennsylvanian, Denison University statistics 
show that ' 'walking dates' ' are 62 per cent more popular than any other 
kind; church dates are on the wane, while movie dates are considered 
out of the question. 

22 



THE TO W ER LIGHT 



Things Our New Yorkers 
Will Talk About 

1. Forty-three bucks; ooh! (Pat the forehead rhythmically, three 
times, with the palm of the right hand.) 

2. Our punsters (?). 
3- The pig parties. 

4. Free samples of illustrative material (or "Where Meigs Put One 
Over on Poor Davies.") 

5. Mr. Flower's "ecstasy." 

6. "Seven o'clock, and the sun is shining." (Oh, yeah?) 

7. Two-thirty Mass at St. Patrick's. 

8. Miss Neunsinger's nose after a bout of "Pig" on the Montclair 
trip. 

9. The beautiful, unique staging in "The Great Waltz." 

10. ' 'The Man on the Flying Trapeze' ' with spotlight accompaniment. 

11. The spider-lady. Ohh! Ahhh! 

12. "Elevator-ears" from going up in the Empire State Building. 

13. The elaborately uniformed gentleman who guided us through the 
studios and, as incidental learning, gave us a lasting impression 
of superiority; he said that some of the studios are so large that 
"they conceit" many hundreds. 

14. Trying daintily to sip tea in a swerving dining car. 

15. Heavy lidded eyes on Monday morning. 

E. M., Sr. 3. 



Le Cercle Francais 

Ala derniere assembleede "Le Cercle Frangais, notre conseiller 
charmante, Madame Elliot, parlaid avec nous de son amie 
bonne. La conversation etart tres interassante et delectable 
chaque membre de notre ecot prendit bien son temps, specialemente 
quand on servait les refraichessements. Nous desirons que tout le 
monde viendra a l'assemblee la fois prochaine. 

23 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Faculty Notes 



Miss Daniels and Miss Keys attended the College Conference on 
Body Mechanics in Washington on April 13. Miss Daniels 
was secretary of the Conference and assisted in arranging the 
program. 

During the past month several Normal School instructors have 
talked before parent-teacher or other organizations. Mrs. Brouwer 
spoke in Towson and Bel Air, Miss Jones in Baltimore and Dundalk, 
Miss Rutledge in Baltimore, and Miss Birdsong in Baltimore and 
Towson. Miss Brown gave a radio talk on conservation. 

Miss Tansil attended a Registrars' Conference in Raleigh, North 
Carolina, during the spring vacation. 

Miss Sperry's garden is beginning to give promise of its usual 
loveliness. 

If you ever need a speaker at the last minute, don't hesitate to ask 
Miss Birdsong. It is rumored that she discovers her topic by asking 
strangers en route to the meeting what the talk is to be about. 

Who says that men's styles never change? Watch Mr. Minnegan. 

Several faculty members visited New York during the spring 
vacation. Among these were Miss MacDonald, Miss Diefenderfer, 
Miss Daniels and Miss Woodward. Miss Jones and Miss Blood drove 
to western New York. It is said that Miss Blood needs instructions as 
to how to read a road map. Miss Yoder visited in Easton, Maryland; 
Miss Stitzel went to Hagerstown and Pennsylvania, and Miss Holt 
traveled to Philadelphia. 

We suggest that Miss Dowell look in her pocket for her glasses. 

Don't try to "pick up" Miss Bersch on York Road. It doesn't 
work. 

A multiple-eared, full-time correspondent is really necessary to 
keep up with the faculty, but the financial difficulties of the Tower 
Light make such an employee impossible. May we remind you, there- 
fore, of the request made early in the year, that contributions to 
"Faculty Notes" be sent to the Tower Light office? 



"Gossip has been well defined as putting two and two together, 
and making it five." 

24 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Teachers' Chorus Performs 

On Sunday, March 31, 1935, at four in the afternoon, Mr. Denues 
and his Teachers' Chorus graced the auditorium of the Mary- 
land Casualty. 
We saw several of our old friends take part. Among the familiar 
faces were Charlotte Wagner, Margaret Schneider, Pete Baer, Ray 
Harter, Jules Seeman, Howard Seidman. It was a great pleasure to 
see them again. 

Contrast was the theme of the program. A cappella singing was 
followed by accompanied singing. Sacred music was balanced by 
secular. The heavy chorale plodded beside the skipping of the lighter 
music. Instrumental selections were provided by the masterly per- 
formance of Mr. Denues on the organ. The concert was executed with 
artistic finish. 

Edw. MacCubbin, Sr. 3. 



€d*J&^£2$ 



An Ancient Practice 

Jazz, is it really so modern? In studying Greek manuscripts of about 
the year 322 B. C, it was found that a man named Aristotle wrote 
about vulgar music and musicians. He says the musicians are 
"like bad flute-players who whirl themselves around as if they would 
imitate the motion of the discus." 

Although this was said 2200 years ago, it has all the spiciness of 
the most nimble-penned writer of today. While the flute-player naps 
between the spasms of the terpsichorean contortions, substitute for his 
instrument a saxophone, and you have our omnipresent Jazzist, the 
stimulator of the giddy, or as Henry Van Dyke said, "the torment of 
imbeciles." 

Sarena Fried, Jr. I. 



25 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



S 



Orchestra 

ince the opening of this, the last quarter, the Orchestra has re- 
turned to the full schedule of rehearsals. 

For the enrollment campaign at the City College, we were 

represented by the violin trio — Frank Zeichner, Morris Hoffman, and 

Malcolm Davies, accompanied by Charles Haslup. 

On the evening of April 11, the Orchestra went to Cockeysville 

to play a short program as a preliminary to the annual Cockeysville 

physical education demonstration for the parent-teachers' association. 

Our program was: 

Festal March in C Cadman 

Artists' Life Strauss 

Romance in F Raff 

Theme, from Invitation to the Dance Weber 

Country Dance in C Beethoven 

We enjoyed the kindly reception given us by the Cockeysville 
audience, and we should have liked to stay for the demonstration, but 
lessons to do compelled our early return. As it was, we had the pleasure 
of watching from the wings of the stage one or two numbers, while 
we ate the delicious ice cream generously served at the behest of the 
principal of the school, Mr. Hammond. 

For the rest of the year we turn our attention to music for the 
commencement programs. Not many Mondays remain, which means 
that each rehearsal hour will be crammed full of work. 

FIFTH-GRADE DIARIES 
For the past nine weeks the fifth grades of the ctiy have been 
studying the Thirteen Colonies. An integration with English was the 
writing of diaries that might have been written by Colonial children. 
Here are three interesting ones that the 5A1 of Brehm's Lane School 
wrote. These compositions show that the children who wrote them 
knew their history, and knew how to "spice it up." 

Dear Diary: 

Can you guess what a dreadful sin I have committed? I have been 
arrested for swimming on Sunday! Do you think I will get the ducking 
stool? I wonder what Mother will think of me when I get out of prison? 

Your friend, 

Kenneth Anderson. 

{Continued on page jo) 

26 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



A Lonely Little New Englander 

Enoch hurried down the rocky, irregular path that led to the pond 
where the boys were going to look for three-legged turtles that 
afternoon. He was later than he wanted to be, because, unfortu- 
nately, the school master had detained him. There had been some 
slight trouble during the arithmetic lesson. Instead of adding and sub- 
tracting, as he should have been doing, Enoch had been counting nails. 
Click, click, click they had gone, as he had emptied his pockets and 
laid them out on his desk. He had been beaming with pride over his 
collection, when Mr. Southworth had so unexpectedly and so sharply 
tapped him on the shoulder with his birch rod. That meant giving up 
the precious nails and finishing his sums after school. 

Enoch had hurried through his work because outside the Massa- 
chusetts sunshine was warm and the scent of purple and white lilacs 
coming in the open windows made it hard to keep one's mind on sums. 
May in Middlesboro was the most wonderful month of the year. 

And now he was free again, his nails jingling in his pockets as he 
hurried down to the pond. His round, solemn little face was puckered 
up in a whistle. 

The other boys were all there paddling around in the little pud- 
dles. Some had taken off their shoes and stockings and were squeezing 
smooth black mud between their white toes. Some were on the rocks 
of Betty's Neck examining for at least the hundredth time the marks 
there. These were said to have been made by Indians who used to live 
in the very place where Middlesboro now is. 

"Look, Enoch!" John shouted as the late arrival came into view. 
"Here's his big toe just as plain as can be!" 

Enoch scrutinized the rock closely and nodded in agreement. Then 
he threw himself down on his stomach and flung his arms in the pond. 
He brought up a handful of mud and something else. 

"I found more iron ore," he called out. "When I get big I'm going 
to make nails out of all the iron ore in Middlesboro." 

So Enoch Pratt grew up and went to school in Middlesboro and 
Bridgewater, a little town nearby. When he was just fifteen he grad- 
uated from the Bridgewater Academy. A few weeks before graduation 
he wrote a letter to a friend in Boston asking for a position. There 
are no records to tell what sort of work this was, but we do know 
that he worked at it until be became of age. Then he did something 
which has perhaps made the life of every Baltimore boy and girl dif- 
ferent than it might have been. 

27 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Nearly one hundred years ago, in 1831, he came to Baltimore. He 
had not forgotten about those fascinating nails of his boyhood days, 
and before long he established an iron business. If you walk down to 23 
and 25 South Charles Street you will see just the place where Enoch 
Pratt began his company. There is a story that at first he used to 
deliver the things he sold his customers in a wheelbarrow. 

When he was well fixed and things were going along smoothly, he 
was married to Maria Louisa Hyde. 

A few years later he and his brother became partners in a hard- 
ware business, and after that, for fifty-six years, he was president of 
the Farmers' and Planters' Bank. He was also interested in railways 
and steamships, and for a while was finance commissioner on the city 
council. 

It was May, many years later than the one we just talked about, 
in a place far away from that little Massachusetts town. Trivoli, the 
lovely estate of Enoch Pratt, stretched out on all sides, wide and 
spacious and green. In those days the York Road and Woodbourne 
Avenue were far, far into the country. Mr. Pratt had just driven home 
from the city with his bay horse and top buggy. He got out of his 
buggy and wandered around the house by the kitchen. Seeing the gar- 
bage pails by the door, he lifted the lid from one and peered in. He 
frowned. The apple skins were thick and much apple had been wasted. 
Ends of celery that were good had been thrown out. He tapped on the 
kitchen window sharply with his umbrella and nearly frightened Alice, 
the housemaid, to death. She flew to the kitchen door, her hand on 
her heart. 

"Oh, Mr. Pratt," she panted, "such a fright as you gave me!" 

Mr. Pratt waved his umbrella at the garbage pail. "Alice," he 
said, "is it necessary for you to waste so shamelessly the food the good 
Lord has provided? You must use more care in removing skins and 
peels." 

Then he turned on his heel and marched around to the side of the 
house. It did make his New England Scotch blood boil to see things 
wasted. He buttoned up his faded, shabby old coat as he climbed his 
porch steps. 

"Maria," he called, a smile lighting his rather lonely face. 

His wife answered from the side porch, and he hurried to her. He 
kissed her fondly and sat beside her. 

"Maria," he said with a little quiver of excitement in his voice, 
"I've thought it all out about the library. I'm going to build a library 
for all the people in Baltimore. It's going to be free for everybody — 
whether they're rich or poor, black or white. And I'm going to see 
that it gets built and begun just right. I thought I'd offer the mayor 
$225,000 for the building and about $833,000 to get started." 



28 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



He leaned forward on his umbrella. "What do you think, Maria?" 

"I think it's wonderful, Enoch," she beamed. 

"But until I die the city will have to pay $50,000 a year. In my 
will I'll arrange that the library gets that much every year." 

That was Enoch Pratt — unable to see apples peeled too thickly but 
giving away more than a million dollars at one time as a gift for the 
people. 

When he gave the check to the mayor, he said, "It did not affect 
my nerves any more to draw that check for $833,333-33 than it would 
to give one for $4.00; not a bit, sir!" 

So Mr. Pratt saw that the building on Mulberry Street — just where 
it is now — was made just right. It was to be fireproof, and hold 200,000 
books, and that year the $50,000 from the city was to build four 
branches. 

That's how the fine libraries that Baltimore now has were first 
begun. Today there is one within walking distance of nearly every 
boy and girl in Baltimore. 

The year 1933 was a landmark in the history of the Enoch Pratt 
Free Library, in that the new library building was opened in Feb- 
ruary. Three million dollars was voted by the public in May, 1927, 
and $600,000 additional was spent for more land, so that the new 
building now covers an acre, facing on Cathedral Street and running 
through from Mulberry to Franklin Streets. 

The cornerstone was laid January 12, 1932, and the moving in from 
the temporary quarters on Redwood Street was completed in February, 
1933. This beautiful new building with its fine architecture, decora- 
tion, and interesting display windows is a lasting tribute to the man 
who first had a vision of a public library for the people of Baltimore. 

And the library wasn't the only gift Mr. Pratt made. He got 
money for a school and a church in Middlesboro. He gave money for 
a school for negroes and he gave some property to the Maryland Acad- 
emy of Sciences. He also left $1,000,000 to the Sheppard Asylum on 
York Road, which then became the Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospi- 
tal. When he gave anything he gave enough so that whatever he did 
was a success. 

Enoch Pratt was a lonely little New Englander, saving every penny 
he had that he might offer gifts of real value to other boys and girls, 
to give them a better start and advantages in life than he had. 

NOTE — There is no authorized biography of Enoch Pratt and so, while the fact 
about his gifts are true, the stories of his boyhood and life at Trivoli are fictitious, but 
according to a history of the time and the brief notes to be found about him, events of 
that sort probably occurred. This was written by Mary Louise Zschiesche, '30. The para- 
graphs about the new library were furnished by Miss Osborn. 



29 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



(Continued from page 26) 

Dear Diary: 

A few weeks ago I told you I was going to make a visit to the 
South. I went, but I didn't have a good time. They had different 
clothes, and I was ashamed of Cousin Catherine! The children wore 
wigs, or had their hair curled. They danced, and played games that 
I had never heard of, or would care to play. I wish you had been there 
to correct them, as I was spellbound. 

Your friend, 

Charlotte Anna Medley. 

Dear Diary: 

We had a fine time at a husking bee yesterday. A friend of mine, 
named Jack, found a red ear of corn. I suppose you know what hap- 
pened then? 

Your best friend, 

Gloria Schwarz. 



Housewife — "Don't bring me any more of that horrid milk. It is 
absolutely blue." 

Milkman — "It ain't our fault, lady. It's these long, dull evenings 
as makes the cows depressed." 



Youth (to fair companion) — Have you ever tried listening to a play 
with your eyes shut? 

Voice (from behind) — Have you tried listening to one with your 
mouth shut? 



Jones — "That man Smith is going around telling lies about you." 
James — "I don't mind that, but if he begins to tell the truth I'll 
break his neck!" — Log. 



What is the name of the great dipper? 
John the Baptist. 



30 



It pays to stop at the 
511 York Road Opposite Motion Picture Theatre 

Apparel of (East* for % Woman Hho (Earpo 

The Uptown Store with the Downtown Prices 


You Will Enjoy Our 

SUNDAES and SODAS 

Arundel 

Ice Cream Shoppe 

420 York Road Towson, Md. 

We Deliver at Any Time 

Just Phone Towson 73 


Edward E. Burns M. Frank Burns 

John Burns' Sons 

Funeral Directors 

Towson, Md. 

C. & P. Telephone 205 


l/AMPUS Burke Ave. 

Kitchen Towson ' Md 

Luncheon and Dinner 

Moderate Prices 

Home-baked Pies and Cakes 

Buns Rolls Cookies 

Phone: Towson 199 


i^TOWSON^i 

((nurseries )) 

TOWSON, MARYLAND 
It's rtally a horns when it's planted by Towson 


MICROSCOPES 

ALL TYPES AND SIZES 

For Elementary or Advanced Research 

Also Remodeling and Repairing 

ALLAN UHLER 
Optical Works 

200 East 22nd Street Chesapeake 0655 


Compliments 

of a 

Friend 


Phone Towson 905 

The Penn Hotel 

Conveniently located at 

1 5 West Pennsylvania Ave. 

TOWSON, MD. 

Delicious Meals • Large Rooms 

Homelike Atmosphere 

Excellent Service 

DANCING PARKING SPACE 
You Won't Want To Leave 


You will find at Hutzler's 

The Smartest of Clothes 

The Fairest of Prices 

The Best of Service 

HUTZLER BTOTHERS € 

Baltimore, Md. 


CONSOLIDATED BEEF AND 
PROVISION CO. 

Baltimore Dressed Beef Provisions 
Packing House Products 

U. S. Gov. Inspected Establishment 212 

Baltimore's newest modern 

day-light food plant 

Visitors Welcome 

LOMBARD AND EXETER STREETS 



Our Junior Miss and Young Fellows' 
Shops on the Fourth Floor are foremost 
in style for the collegiate miss and youth. 

TRe <©& Hub 

" of Charles St." 


Samuel &trfe & g>on, 3fac. 

Jewelers » Stationers * Silversmiths 
421 North Charles Street 

DIAMONDS » GOLD JEWELRY 

WRIST WATCHES » FINE STATIONERY 

GIFTS IN SILVERWARE 

Founded 1815 


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SERVICE STATION 

Official AAA Station 
Towson, Md. 
24-Hour Service 


Compliments 

of 

Hochschild, Kohn & Co. 


Compliments 

of a 

Friend 


LOUISE BEAUTY SHOPPE 

32 York Road 

Smart Distinctive Waves and 
Haircuts at Moderate Prices 

Convenient for Normal School 
Phone: Towson 1022 


Josef 

HAIR DRESSERS 

Telephone, Plaza 4136 
223 W. Saratoga Street 

2nd Floor 


TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY, MAY 21 & 22 
CLAUDETTE COLBERT 

The Gilded Lily 

As Entertaining as 

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1: J f f W OF BEAUTY 

JiilL\Jl /\k. 4600 York Road 


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of UTottJSon, Mi 


Rex News 

"The Gilded Lily," the new Claudette Colbert starring vehicle 
which comes May 21 and 22 to the Rex Theatre, is a romantic and 
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on the romantic angle. 

» 



thqmsenTelus i 



i 

a 



JUNE 
1935 



'HE 




rOWER 






Lida Lee Tall 

President 



I^MMHi 




^ — 

•*^*» 



MSUnja 




Alvina Treut 

Senior Adviser 



THE 

TOWER LIGHT 




Maryland State Teachers College 
at Towson 

TOWSON, MARYLAND 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

The Class of 1935 3 

Evolution and Resolution 4 

The Registrar Looks Statistically at the Class of 

1935 7 

Raising Standards for Graduation 9 

The Fourth Year 10 

Class Officers of the Senior Class 11 

The Seniors' Farewell 11 

Installation of Officers for 1935 12 

The Telescope 12 

Senior Banquet and Prom 14 

Class History 14 

Celebrities of 1935 18 

'Tis Said That 20 

Class Night— Class of '35 22 

Commencement Activities 22 

May Day 23 

Poetry. . . .' 23 

Editorials 26 

Bethovenhaus, Bonn, July 20, 1934 27 

Bethoven, His Spiritual Development 29 

Eleven Books for a Deserted Island 30 

The Pumpkin Coach 32 

Fleeting Time 33 

A Willow Weeps 34 

Father — Son 34 

— and About the Bachelors 35 

In the Beginning 36 

The Case of ' 'Yes" 37 

An Interlude 38 

School News 39 

Crow's Nest 46 

On the Use of Concrete Visual Materials 47 

Advertisements 49 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Vol. VIII JUNE, 1935 No. 9 



The Class of 1935 

But if you were to ask me what I like most of all at The Towson 
State Teachers College, I should say without any long reflection — 
the students. Then I would think of the faculty; next, of the build- 
ings ; then, of the grounds ; next of the work ; then of the fun we have to- 
gether. But since I mentioned students first, students it must be. And 
from all the students today, I select the members of the Class of 1935 
and speak especially to them, for them and of them. 

As a group they are unique in that they are not wholly homo- 
geneous. Some will take the B. S. degree;many the three-year diploma; 
some are two-year graduates who returned to take a third year. But all 
have merged into a fraternally solid group as though they had been 
born on the same day, the magnet of chance drawing each significantly, 
shaping the other's association in a potent way, as only classmates can. 
This class has brought a great wealth of ideas and ability to the 
school. They go from it with greater wealth — personality and char- 
acter further developed; principles of the better understanding of 
human beings; a sense of the value of human materials as well as other 
natural resources; a widened horizon; a forward looking, vigorous, 
fearless attack on their life problems and their life work. I've been im- 
pressed as I have watched the building process go on among these 
students. "We build for eternity when we build men." May the Class 
of 1935 pass from our doors into the wide, open portals of life — loyal; 
wise, cooperative; searching and seeking; friendly and just — as they 
have been while here with us. 

Lida Lee Tall, President. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Evolution and Resolution 



"t I 'here shall be located in the city of Baltimore a Normal 
School . . . ." Thus simply did the legislators of Maryland in 
-*- 1865 frame the paragraphs which provided for the creation of 
the Maryland State Normal School. One of the first seven states to pro- 
vide an institution for the training of teachers, Maryland has held her 
leadership in teacher training, and has steadily improved her facilities 
for this work. 

There is abundant evidence of Maryland's ever rising standards 
shown in the history of the Normal School, first in Baltimore (1866- 
1876-1915), then in other localities (Frostburg, 1902; Towson, 1915; 
and Salisbury in 1925). Consider, for instance, the early advances in 
the use of the experimental school, the continual enrichment of the 
curriculum, the expansion of the school into larger quarters, the in- 
crease in enrollment brought about mainly by the growing prestige of 
the teaching profession, the rise to a full two-year professional course, 
the selective admission plan and the advance to a three-year course. 
These stages of growth which seem so cold as they are set down in 
print, did not just "happen". They were reactions brought about by 
the personalities of certain leaders in conjunction with favorable con- 
ditions. 

To sense some of the romance which is interwoven with the 
Normal, therefore, it is necessary to acquaint oneself with some of the 
circumstances surrounding the improvements, as well as with the deeds 
of the leaders. Visualize, if you will, the State when an elementary 
education was all that most young people from the counties of Mary- 
land could hope to obtain free of cost. Consider the extra load this 
condition laid on the Normal School. Not only was professional ma- 
terial needed, but also the academic subject matter which is now 
taught in high school. Remember also that it was possible for one to 
obtain by examination a teaching certificate for any chosen grade with- 
out attending Normal School. The fact that the school had grown to 
the point at which it seemed fitting to offer two whole years of pro- 
fessional training after two years of academic work at the Normal 
School, is ample and recognizable evidence that real progress had been 
made. Since this development was brought about as early as it was, 
the names of Mr. Newell and Sarah E. Richmond, whose hard work 
and selfless efforts, in combination with the labors of other 
workers, really supplied the energy necessary for the taking of such a 
step, live on as those of "saints who nobly fought of old". 

The paucity of students at the Normal School was made even more 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



acute by the effects of the World War. Government jobs were open to 
those who were ambitious, and teaching positions at comparatively 
low salaries had no appeal for those who were not aspiring. In 1920, 
however, there occurred three events which were to help solve the 

Problem of enrollment and which affected the school immeasurably, 
ree secondary education was made universal throughout the counties, 
the standards for certification were raised, and the present President of 
Teachers College at Towson was appointed. To try to evaluate each of 
these occurrences as to its relative importance would be a difficult task. 
Suffice it to say, after the above changes, the period between 1920 and 
1925 was one of growth in enrollment despite the alluring offers of easy 
positions at high salaries which the period of inflation was beginning to 
present. 1921 saw the end of the academic course, for, with universal 
secondary education, there was no longer a need for high school work 
at Normal. By 1927 the number of students desiring to enter Normal 
had grown to such a degree that it was possible to put admission on a 
selective basis without impairing the supply of teachers. This in- 
novation resulted in a reduced number of students, but raised the stand- 
ard for entrants, so strengthening the position of the Normal School as 
one of the institutions in the country offering superior facilities for 
delightful and valuable dormitory and student living as well as work 
directed toward a specific end. 

In keeping with its standard of leadership, the Normal School was 
made a three-year institution in 1931- The advantage to the students of 
this change was twofold. It made available at no increased rate of cost 
another year's education, and it helped reduce the temporary over sup- 
ply of teachers by keeping a graduating class out of the field for one 
year. 

There is no need to mention again the fact that these later develop- 
ments were not "happen stance". Such were not gifts from the Heav- 
ens. Both sprung from the Guiding Spirit of the School, stanchly 
backed by a sympathetic administration and a generous State. 

Such was the history and status of the Maryland State Normal 
School in the beginning of fateful 1931, the year when the destinies of 
the people who were to form the Class of '35 became united with the 
destiny of the Normal School. 

Numerous, grave, and varied were the forces that acted upon those 
destinies. There was an economic depression which necessitated a de- 
creased State appropriation for the Normal School budget and so made 
it expedient in 1933 to require a tuition fee from students. Assurance 
that the situation was well and thoughtfully met lies in the fact that 
although enrollment slumped the first year, the number of entering 
students is rising as the standard is accepted. Coincident with this 
development, trends toward purposefulness, and mutual understanding 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



among the students were observed to deepen. Evidently, appreciation 
of the real but not necessarily prohibitory sacrifice involved in attend- 
ing Normal did much to discourage the irresponsible and to mature the 
responsible. 

Then there was the fact that great advances in education were being 
made all over the country. The results of the steps taken during and 
after the World War to correct the disturbing conditions exposed by the 
army tests and the investigations, were being felt. More training was 
being demanded of teachers everywhere. The Guiding Genius of Normal 
School had vision to see that the tendency in more advanced institu- 
tions was toward a four-year course. She grasped time by the forelock, 
and became one of the leaders in making the arrangements which in 
May, 1934, culminated in the addition of the fourth year to the course at 
Maryland State Normal School. We owe much to the acumen and wis- 
dom of the State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Albert S. Cook, and 
the understanding and insight of our most capable State Board of 
Education who made this step possible. The advantages of this advance 
are legion. It makes available four years of education at a very much 
lower rate than other colleges charge, it makes possible the immediate 
taking of the basic B. S. degree upon which graduate work may be 
built at once, and it raises the level of the teaching profession in the 
State of Maryland. 

There has been glory in all the history of the Normal School, but it 
would seem that no single three-year period since the founding of the 
school has been so significant as that between 1932 and 1935. 

Class of '35, we are profoundly privileged. Many of the same 
factors which concerned the fate of the Normal School have affected us. 
We, as well as the Normal School, have been seasoned by the depres- 
sion, worked under the guiding influence of a real leader, Miss Tall, and 
have been stimulated under the care of a progressive state for three of 
the most impressionable years of our life. May the effects of these con- 
tacts be as significant to us as they were to the Normal School. 

William Podlich. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Registrar Looks Statistically at the 
Class of 1935 

Many varieties of statistics could be given regarding the Senior 
Class. We could attempt to be entertaining and show in graphic 
form the number of brunettes and blondes, the median height 
and weight of the members, the color of eyes, the median age and other 
details. Probably we could work out a personality chart of the group 
but with the rush of the commencement season upon us we must con- 
tent ourselves with the statistics that are already at our finger tips. 
Of the 158 graduates of 1935 the following facts stand out: 
10 will receive the B. S. degree 
148 will receive the three-year diploma 
121 of this number are girls and 37 are boys 
71 are city students while 87 are county students represent- 
ing 18 counties 
54 are resident students and 104 are day or commuting 
students 
When a freshman class enters the Normal School each September it 
immediately becomes known by the year when its members are ex- 
pected to graduate. In the days of the two-year program practically 
all of the students graduating each June were the ones who had entered 
two years previously. Now, the picture changes with the increased 
program. As a class moves along from year to year it loses from its 
ranks certain of its members, but, in turn, receives into membership 
students from former years or students transferring from other institu- 
tions. Thus the Class of 1935 has received into its rank the following: 
10 members of the 1934 Class who elected to return to the School for 
the fourth year. The Class of 1935 feels proud, I am sure, to include 
these students for they will make history both for themselves and the 
school by being the first group to receive the B. S. degree from the 
Maryland State Teachers College. In addition to these 10 students 
there are 16 other graduates who did not enter with the class in 1932; 
these include students who because of enforced absences were unable to 
complete their work with their own class as well as students who had 
received the two-year diploma in previous years and who returned for 
the three-year diploma; among this number, too, are four students who 
transferred to the Normal School from other institutions and became 
members of the Class of 1935- Deducting these 26 students we find that 
of the Senior Class, 132 remain of the original number entering the 
school in September 1932. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



And now shall we digress a little and review that registration day 
of September 6, 1932 when the freshmen presented themselves for ad- 
mission. They were a sizable group; two hundred thirty-three at the 
close of the testing period. This means that 101 who entered that fall 
are not graduating with their class. Some of this number after sampling 
the teaching profession chose other fields of work and entered training 
for those vocations. 

This entering class of September 1932 also made history for the 
Normal School by its excellent showing in the Thurstone Psychological 
test that fall. For the first time since the tests were initiated the median 
score of the freshman class surpassed the median score of the 40,000 
students entering the colleges and universities giving the test. This 
immediately set a high standard for the group and an examination of 
individual records will show how these talents have been used. 

Nor will the statistics of the class end with graduation. As we 
start our statistical picture of the freshmen next fall we shall continue 
our figures of the Class of 1935. An In-Service record is set up for each 
member of the graduating class and on this is listed information 
regarding placement, further study, special honors, and other interest- 
ing data. This material, of course, can only be complete if the graduates 
cooperate by sending us information from time to time. 

And when setting up our statistics for the Class of 1936 who knows 
how its numbers may be augmented by the members of the Class of 1935 
who return for fourth year, next fall? I am sure they know the warm 
welcome they will receive. 

So we could go on ad infinitum regarding statistics but in all the 
complexity of the figures we do not forget that the Class of 1935 is a 
family of 158 individuals. But here we must limit ourselves to a study 
of the group, because a study of the individuals would be another story. 

Rebecca C. Tansil. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Raising Standards for Graduation at 
Towson in the Past Fifteen Years 

From 1910 to 1935 significant progress has been made in teacher 
training in Maryland. The wise and able leadership of Dr. Albert 
S. Cook, and the farseeing and significant action of the State 
Board of Education have made possible these forward steps in the pre- 
service work in the preparation of teachers: 

September, 1920: Secondary Education in the Normal Schools was abol- 
ished, because all counties by that time were able to provide 
four-year high-school facilities within their own organizations. 
Only graduates of accredited four-year high schools were admitted 
in September, 19x0. 
1927: All four-year high school graduates from accredited high schools 
were admitted, but were divided into two classifications — those 
with no conditions against them, and those on probation. The 
legal standard passed was that a student who presented a record 
of 60 per cent A's and B's, 40 per cent C's, and no D's, would be 
accepted. All others were to be given an examination set by each 
Normal School according to its vision for the selecting of students 
on a high plane. Health standards were set up which applicants 
had to meet. 
1951: The course was raised from a two-year curriculum to three years, 
a requirement for all students. At this time the student teaching 
experience was lengthened from twelve weeks to eighteen weeks. 
19)4: The course was raised from three years to four, and the Degree of 
B.S. in Education granted. By request of the Baltimore City Board 
of School Commissioners the State Department of Education will 
continue to grant a three-year diploma to City students who ask to 
withdraw at the end of three years to teach in Baltimore City. 
The courses added were extended Oral and Written English, and 
English Literature; Principles of Literary Criticism; Economics and 
Sociology; Physical Science including Astronomy, Electricity and 
Chemistry; Philosophy of Education; and an Educational Conference 
composed of Seniors and Faculty which discusses vital problems facing 
education in the world today. The four years really provide a major in 
Education, a major in the Social Studies, and a minor in English. 

The advantages of a continuous program of four years is that now 
since a B.S. degree is the minimum standard, graduate study will surely 
follow. The hitch-hiking for the undergraduate degree which has been 
so expensive and so wasteful of time, energy, and money will be abol- 
ished. There should be an awakened intelligence on the part of teachers 
on the elementary school level. 

Lida Lee Tall. 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Fourth Year 

The belief is becoming more and more prevalent that a teacher 
should be a well-rounded, real person. Present-day living is so 
complicated one cannot help but meet problems of politics, eco- 
nomics, religion, science, social conditions, international strife, etc. 
More than any other humanitarian, a teacher must understand these 
forces that mould the world (she, too, can be a moulder). She must 
have a broad cultural background by which she may interpret life, 
make it meaningful, and cope with its increasing controversies. 

How does the addition of a fourth year aid in preparing better 
teachers? The subject matter of the fourth year does not concern itself 
primarily with teaching, but with enriching the student to make him a 
deep-thinking, mature individual, and thus a finer teacher. 

The terms that come to my mind as I consider the fourth year, 
and what it has meant to me, are, — contact, and perspective. Not only 
does the student in his enriched course come into contact with the big 
vital present-day problems, but also the subjects offered seem to contact 
with each other: the principles gained in Philosophy of Education 
seemed to build right into the structure and fabric of Science, Psychol- 
ogy, English, and Economics. 

By perspective I mean the maturity of vision, thought and ex- 
pression that enriched cultural experience brings. 

If you feel that, at the end of three years, you will have an ade- 
quate background, that you will not need to grow "educationally", 
then do not think of remaining for the fourth year! It is not designed for 
those who wish to cease creative growing, but for those who would 
delve deeper, to be stronger. 

M. D. 



10 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Class Officers of Senior Class 

President Marguerite Ehrhart 

Vice-President Edward Mac Cubbin 

Secretary William Evans 

Treasurer William Gonce 

_ . , ,,. . f Elizabeth Goodhand 

Social Chairmen i 

Eleanor Sterbak 



The Seniors' Farewell 

There really is no definite farewell message that we, as seniors, can 
give to the school. Although we may not come back next year, 
Normal will remain as an intrinsic part of us, something most 
vital; a thing from which we cannot depart. No matter what we may 
address in parting, we shall never leave that thing completely. 

As we Seniors leave Normal we think of the most immediate 
events — our banquet and prom, class night, music rehearsals, pro- 
fessionals, new clothes, and graduation. It is more difficult to name 
some things less tangible. There are broader things, which are more 
lasting and which have definitely become a part of us; we have acquired 
a deeper understanding, a broader judgment, an attitude of good sports- 
manship and the ability to work with other people, because of our stay 
at Normal. Our relationships with the faculty have been most valuable 
and satisfying and we hope that these friendships will be a part of 
Normal which we shall keep with us. 

The Class of '35 is not stepping out of the school, but is stepping 
forward into new fields and leaving a place for others to fill. Normal 
has guided us and helped us get set in the right direction, a fact which 
we shall realize even more after we have gone out independently into 
our new work. 

Marguerite Ehrhart, President of Senior Class. 



11 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Installation of Officers for 1935 

To the accompaniment of its class song, the Senior Class of '35 
marched to the front of the auditorium and remained standing 
while its members sang the song composed as Freshmen but which 
fittingly expresses the high hopes and devotion of the class today. 

The retiring presidents of the student councils and classes intro- 
duced their successors in a manner adding seriousness and dignity to the 
occasion. 

Miss Ehrhart, in presenting the Senior Class gift, said that those of 
1935 had tried to work cooperatively and harmoniously with the school 
throughout the three years of Normal life. She cited two definite ex- 
amples of this: the class song, which is sung as an obligato to Alma 
Mater, and the class gift, which is a share in the purchase of a telescope. 
The class gift was selected because of a felt need for it in the science 
courses of the curriculum and because it symbolized so well a forward 
and upward looking class. 

Miss Tall accepted the gift for the school and congratulated the 
class on its wise selection. 

Immediately following the assembly, the Faculty served the Senior 
Class a delicious luncheon in Newell Hall. 

W. Evans, Sr. 4. 



ttsJ&>^£5$ 



The Telescope 



The Class of '35 has shared with the school the gift of a telescope. 
The gift has a double symbolism. Just as the Senior Class has always 
worked, not for its own glory, but with all the student-body, for 
the betterment of the whole school — so the gift remains not as a mere 
memorial of the Seniors, but as a practical, useful thing that will serve 
to enrich the whole school for many years. Then, too, the Seniors like 
to feel that a telescope is an expression of their way of striving to 
search beyond, for truth. 

What does a telescope mean to you? Funk and Wagnalls' Diction- 
ary defines it as "an optical instrument for enlarging the image of a 
distant object, as a star, upon the retina of the eye". 

12 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



But it means more than that! Think back to the days when men 
observed the sun, moon and major planets without instruments. They 
tried to find reasons for the motions of these bodies as they saw them; 
they were filled with superstitious fear. People came to believe that the 
earth was the dominant center of the universe, with the sun and moon 
and planets revolving about it on crystal tracks, making eternal sweet 
music to the glory of creation. It was a comforting idea. It made men 
feel secure, important in the scheme of things. But in 1609, Galileo, 
putting to astronomical use a principle discovered by a Dutch optician, 
constructed the first real telescope. When he turned it on the heavens, 
he made startling discoveries! He perceived that Venus had phases like 
the moon; that Jupiter had four satellites revolving around it (not 
around the earth!); that Saturn had "rings" of some unknown ma- 
terial, and that the sun and moon which had always reverently been 
considered to be perfect bodies were not perfect — the Sun had great 
spots on its surface, and the moon seemed to have craters and 
mountains! 

These things were most revolutionary to the world, and Galileo 
was persecuted. But other men followed him, improved the telescope 
and carefully recorded what they saw with its aid. And so passing 
down through the years with Newton, Cassegrain, the Herschels and 
others, we come to the present day with its increased store of knowl- 
edge. What a step it is from the simple contraption of lenses that 
Galileo used, to the giant Cassegrainian telescope with its 200-inch 
object glass, now in construction. It seems hard to wait for its com- 
pletion to know what it will reveal. 

If you are the dull person who never lifts his eyes from the hum- 
drum happenings of this everyday world — a telescope will seem only a 
cumbersome instrument through which one sees uninteresting little 
spots of light. But if you are one who has been caught by the beauty 
of the night, and looked deep into the sky at the stars and moon, and 
wondered, and maybe shivered a little at the mystery of it all, then you 
will find the telescope a magic avenue. 

When you become sick with the tangled afFairs of men, and life 
seems to shut you in with drab, sordid walls, the telescope will 
reveal such greater mysteries of existence as will make the sorry mis- 
fortunes of men seem unimportant. Earth will drop away, and you will 
be alone in time and space, with that great unknown force that seems 
to order the universe. You will be able to turn back to the world of 
men, a little saner, finer for having stood in such a presence. 

M. Douglas. 



13 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Senior Banquet and Prom 

"T^at, drink and be merry" seemed to be the philosophy of the 
rW Senior Banquet. Why shouldn't it have been, since the banquet 
J— ^ included a combination of Miss Diffenderfer's savory foods, 
merry songs, and short (oh, very short) speeches. 

And the Prom — we had looked forward to it for three years, we 
had lived in joyous anticipation for three weeks — and we had a "mar- 
velous" time for three hours! "Heavenly Harmonies "and the Southern- 
ers invited us to dance in the foyer and dining room where all our 
sorrows and cares were forgotten in the romantic surroundings. For the 
evening, we danced among the stars of the heavens. What futures were 
dreamed of and foretold by Venus and the Moon only time will tell! 

Eleanor Sterbak. 



et^sst^Td 



Class History 



Sept. '32 Appearance of shy and unassuming group of freshmen at 
State Normal. Freshmen register proper expressions of fear at 
entrance exams; joy at tea dances; inspiration from Induction 
Service; animation at entire freshman week. 

Oct. '32 Class organizes — girl elected for temporary president. What 
ho! Such unprecedented behaviour. Miss Treut becomes class 
adviser. 

Play Day gives Freshmen the opportunity to play their favo- 
rite games — Looby Loo and Mulberry Bush — without being 
scorned. Ripping hockey game terminates Play Day, and brings 
out the power of freshman girl athletes. 

Nov. '32 Freshmen fairly well settled. Knack of library system more 
or less in hand. Science shelves particularly familiar. 

Reports of radical uprisings issue from the problem section — 
need we be specific? 

True caliber of Freshmen shown by splendid program for 
Mother's Week End. Will you ever forget "Schnitzelbanch"? 

Large crop of bangs very much in evidence. Garbo, the old 
style setter, is at it again. 

Dec. '32 Freshmen deep in Paleolithic Age. Heredity and environment 
holds its own. Several couples noted who are "that way" — Fresh- 
men come through again! 

14 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Christmas celebration at school proves to be a joy and in- 
spiration. Glee Club sings over radio. Five freshmen interviewed 
as prospective big timers on the air. 
Jan. '33 Freshmen acquire class colors — green, black, and silver. 

New parking space comes into existence — one freshman has 
particular difficulty in following white arrows. 
Feb. '33 Freshmen move along in the same way. Girls struggling 
through stunts and basketball skills for physical education. 

St. Valentine fails to make an impressive appearance. 
March '33 Girls' Demonstration finds Freshmen nervous about per- 
forming in gym suits before fellow classmates. Individual section 
stunts show undreamed of ingenuity among members — especially 
the dance marathon. 

Several Freshmen attend Roosevelt's inauguration in Wash- 
ington via a school bus. President feels as though day was a success 
by reason of Normal School representatives. 

Freshmen surprise school by singing their new class song. 
April '33 Easter holidays — time certainly does fly. Freshmen already 
have assumed the bored and condescending attitude of Juniors. 

Agitation spreading among members with prospects of one 
week's participation in practice centers. 
May '33 The Men s Revue! Words inadequate. Freshmen girls over- 
whelmed by the array of male talent. Gasp for breath in approved 
manner at the daring feats of the tiger leapers. Appreciate to the 
«th degree the knees exposed by the Pirates of Penzance. 

Freshmen completely unnerved by week of participation. 
Many quoted as being ready to go out and conquer the world 
through the teaching of small children. 
June '33 What! Time for a summer vacation! Freshmen, with a smoth- 
ered sob and a tear in the eye, shed the cloak of green inexperience, 
ready to don — anyway, they are now Juniors. 
Sep. '33 Juniors help with registration. Many become walking in- 
formation bureaus with "Ask Me" signs across their fronts. Agree, 
with reservations, that the new freshmen are a promising group. 

Exclusive cliques appear consisting of World's Fair Goers. 
Those not included bear their ravings with calm resignation. 
Oct. '33 Juniors seem to fit in with the general schedule — nothing 
particularly exciting happens to them. All attention lavished on 
Freshmen and Seniors. Juniors assume a hard shell of haughtiness 
to cover up sensitiveness. 

Browsing room comes into existence for "group studying". 
One Junior section considers moving their beds there — they spend 
all their time in browsing room anyhow. 



15 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Nov. '33 Juniors who are student teaching have found the straw that 
broke the camel's back, they are now at the end of their ropes. 
Circles under eyes tell their own sad story. Thanksgiving holidays 
greeted with enthusiasm. 

Dec. '33 Christmas at Normal again a happy and exciting time. An- 
nual request for Christmas tree complied with. Trend for ball 
decorations seem to be all one color. Leaders at Govans Sing seem 
like old friends. 

Olde English Dinner celebrated by one and all. Ye lords and ye 
ladies most gracious. Kris Kringle, himself (who would have 
recognized him?), honored us with his presence. The court jester 
(that tall, lean Englishman) held forth in witty rhymes. Ah, 
would that all days were Christmas in Merrie England! 

Feb. '34 Girls' Demonstration really tests Juniors' athletic stamina; 
what with the Highland Fling, triple somersaults, and a snappy 
game of dodge. Mother Goose and all her goslings make a unique 
stunt — King Cole stuffed to the proper diameter and Humpty 
Dumpty broken effectively. 

March '34 The Men's Revue — bevy of beautiful girls sally from men's 
rooms. The hero of Schnitzelbanch becomes a blushing bride. 
Junior girls all of a sudden become aware of a combination crooner, 
tiger leaper, male fashion plate, and what have you. 

April '34 Disappearance of male section for student teaching gives 
school a much needed rest. Librarians particularly relieved — no 
longer heckled by "group studying" in its worst form. 

May '34 Juniors uncomfortably insignificant. 

June '34 School year completed — Juniors mourn loss of Senior Class. 
Ready to become humble Seniors. 

Sept. '34 Freshmen receive pearly words of wisdom from venerable 
sages — alias the class of 1935- 

One Senior reported studying for professionals. 

Oct. '34 Life goes on very smoothly. Seniors hardly aware of their 
prominent positions in the school. History courses cause daily 
migrations to library at three o'clock. Emphasis placed on candle 
wicks and games of Puritan children. 

Dec. '34 Seniors, after 3 years of experience, are now acclimated to cold 
of Towson and really appreciate the beauty of the snow. Several 
bards inspired by the lovely sight take pen in hand for Tower 
Light contributions. 

Christmas celebration joyous but tinged with melancholy — 
our last year at Normal? 

Jan. '35 Six more Seniors begin studying for professionals. 

16 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Feb. '35 Seniors win Girls' Demonstration! Three Cheers! Tricky 
costumes of Uncle Sam's would-be defenders make quite a hit. 

March '35 Seniors now know which is annex and which is main 
library. 

April '35 All Seniors return to fold after student teaching. 

Bill to call us "Maryland State Teachers College" passed by 
the state legislature. Rose from Miss Risteau's bouquet now in 
gold and will become an archive. 

New York Trip: April 10-14. Words fail — remember the $43, 
the rain, the gardenias, the push carts on Broadway, New York at 
night, from the Hotel Pennsylvania's roof, the ride across the 
river on the ferry, and so on and on? 

The Men's Revue of all Men's Revues. The Student Teacher 
turns out to be a real masterpiece. We heard that Ringling Broth- 
ers tried to contract the stooge for the tiger leapers. Congratula- 
tions, men! 

May '35 May! makes all Seniors veritable social butterflies. Seniors 
share in a telescope to school to symbolize looking onward and 
upward. Installation assembly followed by grand luncheon served 
by faculty. 

May day celebrations crowned this festive day. May Queen 
and her lovely attendants gracing the Campus, are a beautiful 
sight. Can't resist adding that the May King fitted into his part 
exceedingly well. 

Heavenly Harmony on May 18 disguises the familiar foyer 
and dining hall. With the Southerners and all your friends around, 
how could the night be anything but perfect? 

June '35 Professionals! 

Class Trip and Class Night!! 
Graduation!!! 

The Seniors leave Normal as students but they take with 
them the memories of three happy years. 

Eleanor M. Goedeke, Sr. 3. 



17 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Celebrities of 1935 

We have been asked to bring to your attention the students of 
the Class of 1935 who have been most outstanding in their 
achievements here. We submit the following list of deeds and 
personages — dutifully arranged in alphabetical order — for your approv- 
al. If we have neglected anyone who thinks that he should be included 
in the ranks of the great, please let us know of our omission and we will 
surely make retribution. 

First comes Catherine Ay who is famous for the fact that she got 
her name in Christopher Billopp's column. For what? Why, for having 
the shortest name that appears in the telephone book. 

Fairfax Brooke rates a medal for being the starriest athlete the 
girls can boast. 

Isadore Cohen, Izzy for short, expends so much energy on his sing- 
ing that Miss Weyforth has begun to fear for his vocal cords. But we say 
that we need a good tenor to make our Glee Club a success. 

Helen Cole is the ever pleasant and smiling President of the Resi- 
dent Student Council. 

Melvin Cole (no relation) had his picture in the paper, girls! He is 
our star soccer player. If there is anything more for which he is famous, 
please tell us about it at once. 

Muriel Cook manages. Muriel Cook manages fall sports. She man- 
ages Gym Revues. These managing women! 

Kathryn Coster rates this column because she is the one normal 
note in an otherwise illustrious group. Casey is a fine student and a 
good sport. We hope that there are many like her in the coming Senior 
Class to build a willing background for more prominent students. 

Marguerite Ehrhart attains glory through her ability to step in at 
the last moment and lead our class to fame and to Commencement. 

We must not forget to bring to your attention the sweet disposition 
and the charm of Bobby Ensor. Strange to say, both the girls and the 
men appreciate her. 

Eleanor Goedeke is guilty of a sense of humor. In spite of this, the 
students and the faculty insist that she has led the school through a 
year of penury and virtual starvation to a bright and shining Spring 
that actually reveals a surplus in the treasury of the General Student 
Council — or so we hear. Added to her executive ability is the talent for 
composing verse — may we call it poetry, please? 

Bill Gonce is dependable, good-natured and faithful — especially to 
old flames. He served us well as our President and now he is holding our 
money bags for us. Watch him closely! 

18 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Elizabeth Goodhand is the fair maiden who got her picture in the 
paper. The Seniors aver that there never was a more beautiful May 
Queen in the history of the school. 

Carol Gray is most famous for her odd coiffures and for her temper- 
ament — 

Perhaps Ruth Kreis does not belong in this column since she has 
already left us; but because she was so important to us when she was 
our president, we feel that we should line her up with the elite of the 
school. Ruthie was a fine student and a finer leader. We wish we could 
have her back, but Carolina calls. 

The lovely voice and the gay dignity of Mary Stewart Lewis have 
made her more than welcome in our exclusive group. 

MacCubbin may be classed as the unwilling (?) ladies' man; but, 
what is more important, he is a musician. What would the Class of 1935 
have to offer the school — besides a telescope — if it had not been for 
Mac's famous counterpoint? 

Myron Mezick is a rare specimen in Normal School. What Fresh- 
man girl (and Senior too) has not sighed at the remembrance of the 
flashing smile of the so devastating Mr. Mezick? *He is endowed with 
a fine voice that Normal School shall long remember. Our Paragon can 
act, too; he was once in a play but they wouldn't let him play his vio- 
lin. We whisper this with awe — we fear he is a grind. 

And we have an orator in our class. When Bill Podlich stands be- 
fore the assembly waving an eloquent arm and drawling comments 
about the beauties of the glen, he brings tears to these old eyes. Bill can 
execute the duties of President of the Day Student Council and still 
study so diligently that members of his class secretly curse the Missouri 
marking system. 

Ruth Roseman is a real worker. If you don't believe it/look at the 
Senior Prom decorations. 

Emily Ross is the charming, lovely and sleek nightingale of our 
group. Perhaps the dimples explain her fascination for the men of the 
Senior Class. 

Then there is the artistic trio. Bernice Shapos, Margaret Russell 
and Katherine Gilbert have helped our class dances to be the outstand- 
ing successes they were, through their original and artistic decorations. 

Donald Schwanebeck's saxophone has more than satisfied the stu- 
dents who indulge in the terpsichorean art. And Swass's "plus 4's" are 
the envy of every male student in the school. 

We haven't forgotten the Senior Specials in this column, as you 
perhaps have noticed. But we must mention them again collectively. 

*Editor's Note: I, for one. 



19 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Do you know that they call themselves the Orphans because they have 
no one to love them? Seniors, see that you do something about this if 
you have the opportunity. 

Senior 3 has presented a musical quartette that we think is the 
backbone of the orchestra. When Herman Bainder, Malcolm Davies, 
Frank Zeichner and Morris Hoffman go into their harmony, the whole 
school sits up and takes notice. Mr. Bainder is doubly famous in that 
he plays the cello and composes poetry — one thing at a time, of course. 
Mr. Zeichner is a powerful rival of one of the gentlemen already 
mentioned. 

Jimmy Tear is the India-rubber man with the Southern accent. He 
looks studious, but is he really? 

Josh Wheeler is famous for his athletic ability and for his "ad 
libbing". Get Mrs. Brouwer to tell you about the Matisse from the Art 
Gallery and Josh's impromptu appreciation lesson. 

We have thrown bouquets — and some gentle brickbats — until we 
are weary. Address all criticisms to Miss Munn's office. There is a fine 
waste basket there. 

Discretion. 



'Tis Said That: 

Helen Cole has already spotted her position for next year. 

The willow tree is still weeping with the departing Seniors. 

Muriel Disney is to grace next year's Senior Special Class. 

Both the Senior Gonces received "A's" in Student-Teaching. 

There are such things as professionals for city Seniors. 

There will be some songs in our Commencement Exercises. 

Charlie Meigs could not decide whether to hit a street car or a 
truck, so he hit both. 

The Seniors are having difficulty in deciding how to distribute thei f 
quintuplets (5 commencement tickets) among the many members of 
their families. 

A Senior 4 and Senior 3 old, old friendship has been renewed. 

The Seniors don't know whether they've reached the dignity of a 
"Miss" or "Mr." as yet. (On calling cards.) 

20 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Superintendents are getting to know that there are such things as 
graduating Seniors. 

Herman Bainder can give a perfect intepretation of the symptoms 
of pediculosis. (Men's Revue). 

Muriel Cook has been the salesman for snapshots of the May Day 
celebration. ($6.00 in orders) 

A member of Sr. 6 has not missed a day of school in 11 years. 

A member of Sr. 1, never having heard of Dr. Morgan, made this 
fact known to a woman sitting beside her. (It was Dr. Morgan's wife). 

Edward MacCubbin can hit 20 on the homeward trip from Cock- 
eysville. 

One Senior comes from the place where the sun rises. (Rising Sun, 
Md.). 

This year's Senior Class was the first in several years to wind all 
three May poles correctly. 

This year's May procession is said to have been composed of the 
most attractive girls who ever graced Normal School. 

Joshua Wheeler knows all the bumps on Kenilworth Avenue. 

William Podlich waited for 3 years to obtain an opportunity to 
make a long speech in assembly (That made on May Day). 

It isn't fair for Senior Special boys to send out invitations to gradu- 
ation again this year. One present for graduation is enough. 

Some members of Sr. 5 do not know the difference between agiraffe, 
a tulip, and a four-legged ostrich. 

A member of Sr. 3 singed his eyelashes while smoking his second 
cigarette. 

Donald Talbot is anxious to know how much a pound of iron ore 
weighs. 

Ruth Kreis will not return to Normal School next year as she is 
to be married. 

Sr. 4 is always obliged to repeat a joke for the benefit of one of 
its eminent members. (His initials are D. B. S.) 



21 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Class Night---Class of '35 

There is a certain something in the air as our life at Normal nears 
its end. It envelops all of us, and transforms even the hardest 
Senior into a person who is awed by the realization that he is 
about to begin anew; who is exulted at the many festivities during this 
time; who is deeply impressed by their intimate implications. 

On the evening of June the tenth will occur the climax of all other 
activities — our Class Night. During this revel the whole gamut of our 
emotions will be played upon. We shall witness an actual demonstra- 
tion of that old saying, "going from the sublime to the ridiculous". 
There will be a resume of our class's illustrious history; delightful 
parodies on the highlights of our career; take-offs on our revered faculty; 
and, woven into the whole pattern, will be the unifying force of our 
school and class songs. 

This mirthful occasion will be one of lasting moment. "Shall you 
come?' ' Rosalie Jacobsen. 

Commencement Activities, June 
Sixth to Eleventh 

Thursday, June 6 

Visiting High School teams arrive (our guests at Newell Hall). 

6 :30 P.M. — Visiting teams entertained by the Athletic Association. 
Friday, June 7 

9:00 A.M. — State Volley Ball Meet (Stadium Athletic Field). 

6:00 P.M. — Supper on Campus. 

7:00 P.M. — Step Singing, Athletic Stunts. 
Saturday, June 8 — Alumni Day. 

3:00 — 3:30 P.M. — Reception in Sarah E. Richmond Hall. 

3:30— 4:30 P.M.— Class Reunions. 

5:00 — 5:45 P.M. — Business Meeting. 

6:15 — 8:30 P.M. — Dinner, Music by School Orchestra. 

9:00—12:00 P.M.— Dancing. 
Sunday, June 9 

4:00 P.M. — Baccalaureate Service, Auditorium of School. 

Sermon by Reverend Mark Depp, Rector of St. Marks Methodist 
Episcopal Church. 
Monday, June 10 

6:00 P.M. — Campus Supper, Class Night. 
Tuesday, June 11 — Commencement Day 

10:30 A.M. — The procession of Guests, Faculty and Students will 
form. 

11:00 A.M. — Commencement — Campus (Weather permitting) 

22 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



May Day 



Thus, thus begin the yearly rites 

Are due to Pan on these bright nights. 

Once more the Senior c'.ass has challenged May to display greater 
beauties than her own. In an array of sunshine and brilliant 
color, the May Queen and her attendants held sway over the 
May day festivities of our school. Whether it was the lovely picture 
posed for by the Queen and her court, the eagerness of the children, the 
interesting and delightful program presented for the pleasure of the 
queen, or only an inner feeling of joy and beauty, or that the day really 
became warmer, the writer cannot say, but surely the chill of the day 
was not noticed during the program. 

Of the four May day programs which I have witnessed I have said 
that each in turn was the most inspiring. Of this year's celebration, I 
say, that never was there a queen more alluring, and never attendants 
who threatened more seriously to equal the loveliness of their queen. 
To me, the May day celebration symbolized a joyousness of spirit 
at the awakening of the earth to new and more beautiful things, and a 
new, more courageous beginning. My wish for the future classes of the 
Maryland State Teachers College is that they will continue to live and 
carry on in the spirit of the first day of May, 1935. 

F. E. F. 



^C^O^iS^ 



Communion 

A silver trail, a wisp of cloud .... so sheer 

Floats radiantly across the blue. 

The tender songs of soaring birds 

And summer's happy sounds drift through 

To gay green earth. No silence sad 

On such a day of beauty, but joy 

Of color .... music .... life! 

Herman Bainder, Sr. j. 



23 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



A Summer Night 

Air heavy with the perfume of roses 

Hangs still in the quiet night — 

Above — stars — steady and brilliant 

In a deep slumbering sky — 

Add silver to the sleeping earth. 

The bay, quiet and saturated 

With a spreading ribbon of moonlight — 

Unprotesting in the peaceful calm. 

My soul-filled with wonder 

Is motionless — afraid to speak — 

Afraid lest God's creative peace 

Be broken! 

H. Ziegler. 

The Mocking Bird's Song 

I heard a mocking bird singing 
In the gray of a dull May morning. 
His song told of tears and of heartache 
His call was mournful, melodious 
In the still of a gray May morning. 

I heard a mocking bird calling 
In the hush of a blue May morning. 
His tale was of hope and of reverence 
His song, an encouraging measure, 
In the mist of a blue May morning. 

The mocking bird's lilt is a glad one 
As he tells of the May and the spring, 
As his heart and mine 
Seem to echo each line 
Of his song in a glowing May morning. 

F. E. F. 



24 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Moonlight Sonata 

The stream flows gently; 
Above my head, 
The pine tree sighs; 

And shrilly through the moonlit night, 
A wild bird cries. 
The mountain breeze stirs softly; 
O'er and o'er 
A nightingale sings, 
And thoughts of you drift to my heart- 
On crimson wings. 

LORELLE HEADLEY, Ff. I. 



gBfrJSLdSS 



Twilight and Night 

The Great Outdoors is calling, calling — 

Can I remain within 
When gentle twilight's stealing, stealing; 

And summer light grows dim? 

The brilliant sunset fades, 
While twilight takes its place. 
It covers woods and glades, 
Revealing not its face. 

Then black of night is falling, falling, 

Replacing dim twilight; 
And o'er me steals a feeling — feeling — 

Of the mystery of night. 

Eleanor Bounds, Sr. 4. 



25 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



THE TOWER LIGHT 

Published monthly by the students of the Maryland State 
Teachers College at Towson 

STUDENT EDITORS 
Editor Managing Editor 

Mary-Stewart Lewis Mary Douglas 

Business Manager 
Earl Palmer 

Circulation Managers Advertising Managers 

Mary B. Yeager Elsie Meiners 

Irene Shank Justus Meyer 

Dorothea Stinchcomb Betty Rust 
Jeanette Mathias 

DEPARTMENT EDITORS 
Assembly Athletics General Literature 

Ruth Keir Theodore Woronka Edward Turner 

Helene Ziegler Fairfax Brooke 

Poetry Social Secretarial Staff 

Herman Bainder Mary Bucher Hilda Farbman 

Elizabeth Goodhand Dorothy Gonce 
Sctence Eulalie Smith 

Edith Waxman jfoisic 

Library Sarena Fried Humor 

Ruth Hale Gene Benbow 

$1.50 pr year 20 cents per copy 

Alice Munn, Faculty Adviser 



Reflections 

This being June, the time for reflections as well as graduations and 
weddings, the Tower Light in retrospect swings its beam over 
the year passed, and takes this opportunity to thank individually 
everyone who through mental and physical labor, sacrifice of time and 
money, and helpful publicity has made this year's publication a success. 

16 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



And to the seniors whose hearty cooperation and generosity has made 
the June magazine a reality, we dedicate this issue! 

The Editors. 



Beethovenhaus, Bonn --July 20, 1934 

The name of Ludwig von Beethoven had symbolized something of a 
household god to us as far back as my memory reaches. Visiting 
his birthplace had become so old an ambition that the trip took 
on, in actuality, something of the nature of a pilgrimage. 

There were no particular hardships to be suffered in this Pilgrimage 
except those incidental to our very sketchy knowledge of the German 
language. 

After several misunderstood inquiries we found the little inter- 
urban electric train that runs between Cologne (Koln) and Bonn, the 
natal town of the great maestro. The short journey seemed as flat and 
monotonous as the country along the lower Rhine and so we were over- 
anxious to have done with it. Misunderstanding the conductor's an- 
nouncement we got off at the edge of the town and had to walk several 
miles to the main station in order to get a cab. And this after many 
hours of trudging over the rough and twisted streets of Cologne earlier 
in the day! Eventually we found a cab and, to our great relief, its driver 
could understand our English and we could understand his German. 

In a few minutes we were driven through the busy main section of 
the city to the older streets running along the bluffs overlooking the 
river. Neatness and good care were characteristic of the housefronts 
along this street. "Beethovenhaus" is distinguished from the others 
only by a simple plaque. We rang the bell and after several minutes of 
waiting were admitted by a buxom, blond "maedchen" in blue. A fee 
of a few pfennigs paid, we were free to wander over the little house 
alone and at will. 

The newer house fronting on the street had been joined to a 
smaller, older one making now an L-shaped building. It is this little 
old house in which the child Ludwig was born. Up narrow, twisted 
stairs and we were in the room into which he came. This room, with a 
ceiling so low one can easily touch it and with a rough, uneven floor, is 
utterly bare of furniture today. A wreath from a Shakespearian Society 
and another from the Goethe Society lie at the foot of a pedestal on 
which is an excellent bust of the composer. What a triumvirate of great 
souls thus represented in so humble a chamber! A tiny window looking 
out over the garden admitted little enough light at just this twilight 

27 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



hour to leave most of the white-washed room in kindly, mystic shad- 
ows. The spell of this musical Bethlehem brings the observer to new 
realizations of the relativity of the great and small. 

In other rooms of the old house are kept some of Beethoven's 
original manuscripts, pictures, etchings, as well as instruments of his 
own and of his contemporaries. Among the collection are six Cremonas! 
But it is in the tiny room in which he was born and in the garden below 
that one feels the spirit of his early years. The little garden fits into the 
space left by the L of the house and is filled with the usual greenery. In 
one corner is a very strange old wooden pump about twelve feet tall, a 
relic of the earlier years. A simple stone memorial to Beethoven's 
mother bears his immortal words about her: 

"She was so good and lovable a Mother: my best friend." 

All too soon had come the hour for closing the house and we had 
only enough time to buy some pictures and to chat for a minute with 
the pleasant girl who had admitted us. Out again in the lighted street, 
we were recalled by the activity of a busy Saturday night to the Bonn of 
the twentieth century. We drove back past the famous University, the 
beautifully kept city park with its inevitable swans and petunias, back 
to the station at which we should have alighted. Young Nazis on pa- 
rade were bugling and drumming their way about the streets. Storm- 
troopers, in uniforms that looked brand-new each day, made themselves 
as conspicuous as always against the mellow background of centuries. 

A mere tourist does not dare to add his eulogy to those of compe- 
tent critics of Beethoven. He had been termed "The Liberator," "The 
Man Who Freed Music" by biographers and students. The artist him- 
self wrote, "He who truly understands my music must thereby go free 
of all the misery which others bear about with them." A woman 
friend of his early years called him "the rare genius, the great artist, 
the good man." And Father Tabb, a poet and teacher of Maryland 
wrote to Beethoven and to Michelangelo this crowning apostrophe: 

"One made the surging sea of tone 

Subservient to his rod; 

One from the sterile womb of stone 

Raised children unto God." 

Alvina Treut. 



28 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



"Beethoven, His Spiritual Development" 

By J. W. N. SULLIVAN 

This biography, as the title implies, is concerned with the spiritual 
development of Beethoven. The author, as he states in the preface, 
is concerned with Beethoven's music solely as a record of his 
spiritual development. Mr. Sullivan believed that in his greatest music 
Beethoven was primarily concerned to express his personal vision of 
life. This vision was the product of his cnaracter and experience. To 
attain his goal, the author has given the significant experience of 
the great composer and has delved in a scholarly manner into the char- 
acteristics ana attitudes of the man. The author believes that the de- 
velopment and transformation of Beethoven's attitude towards life, the 
result of certain "root experiences" can be traced in his music. 

Little insight into the life of the times is given except in so far as 
that this insight would give a better view of Beethoven as a man. 
Specific detailed minor incidents of Beethoven's life are lacking; for 
this sort of thing one should go to a biography such as Thayer's or even 
that found in Mr. Ernest Newman's "Stories of the Great Operas." 
However, the character of the great composer is the object of very care- 
ful study. I will illustrate how the author makes use of his conclusions 
as to Beethoven's character. The author maintains that Beethoven's 
capacity for "deep and passionate realization of suffering, necessitated, 
if ne were not to be reduced to impotence, a corresponding capacity for 
endurance and an enormous power of self-assertion." Mr. Sullivan then 
shows how these forces against suffering are evident in his music. I 
think that even the untrained lover of music cannot fail to feel the 
force and the "will to victory", in the fifth symphony. 

Mr. Sullivan has made admirable use of Beethoven's letters in at- 
tempting to bring out certain points. In describing the contempt which 
Beethoven had for the bulk of his fellow men he quotes the composer 
as saying of certain people, "I consider him and .... mere instruments 
on which, when it pleases me, I play .... I value them according as 
they are useful to me." The arrogance of this genius is brought out 
when he is quoted as saying in one of his letters, "Power is the morality 
of men who stand out from the rest, and it is also mine." 

Mr. Sullivan divides Beethoven's life into three sections according 
to the experiences of the composer and his reaction to them. He calls 
the period dating from 1792 when the composer went to Vienna up to 
Beethoven's struggle against the terrible fate of deafness which ended 
in the Heilgenstadt Testament, the "Morality of power." The next 

29 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



section entitled "The Hero" discusses the place of the Eroica and C 
Minor Symphonies in the spiritual development of the composer. 

Mr. Sullivan thinks that the Eroica Symphony is his first work 
that has a really profound and spiritual content. Beethoven's realization 
of the victory that may be achieved by heroism in spite of suffering is 
depicted in that symphony as well as the C Minor. This Mr. Sullivan 
called the second period but concludes with still another period in 
which Beethoven realized his separation from the world and an entry 
into a different and more exalted region. 

Mr. Sullivan's interpretations of Beethoven's compositions have a 
sincerity and loftiness which is remarkable. One marvels at the under- 
standing and sympathy which the author had for the great composer. 
Although one may not have reached the stage of understanding in 
Beethoven's music to feel completely the spiritual significance of which 
Mr. Sullivan speaks, his interpretations cannot fail to make one all the 
more anxious to hear more of that immortal music. 

Frank Zeichner, Sr. 3. 

Eleven Books for a Deserted Island 

In a questionnaire distributed among the faculty of the Maryland 
State Teachers College the following books were chosen in the order 
in which they occur, by count. 
The Bible 
Dictionaries 

Anthology of poetry and verse 
Hugo, Victor — Les Miserables 
Wells, H. G.— Outline of History 
Carroll, Lewis — Alice in Wonderland 
Browning — Complete works 
Gibbons — Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire 
Zweig, Stefan — Marie Antoinette 
Dickens — The Tale of Two Cities 
Comstock — Handbook of Nature Study 
Other books that were chosen included subjects such as the follow- 
ing: — Music, Travel; Science; Astronomy; Botany; Cook books; Ge- 
ology; Medicine; Mining; Advanced Mathematics; Campcraft; Zoolo- 
gy; and last but not least Sears and Roebuck Catalog. 
Some of the reasons for the varied selections follow: 

The Bible — "It is a tremendously powerful force just in itself." 

Poetry of Shakespeare — "My father quoted Shakespeare a 

great deal. Reading Shakespeare's plays during the later high 

school period led to an interest not so much in drama as in poetry 

generally." 

30 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Plutarch's Lives — "This, I first read after an illness when I was 
but thirteen, so old Rome and Greece live for me in the lives of 
these breathing dynamic personalities. Later, when I grew inter- 
ested in the Commercial Revolution, Yule's Marco Polo, and 
Piafetta's Voyage of Magellan, and Guilmard's Vasco da Gama, 
held my interest completely." 

Gayley's Classic Myths — "This is the first book I bought with 
my own earned money." 

"The books chosen must be the kind that one could read 
again and again to seek diversion, understanding of life, courage 
and inspiration. My selection would touch the Ancient World, the 
Elizabethan Period, the Victorian Era, and Modern Time. One 
would have to depend upon the 'tried and true' under the con- 
ditions described." 

"Because I shall never have time to read them until I am cast 
off somewhere!" 

"No particular reason for any except that I like them; I like 
to read parts of them any time I can." 

"I'd choose an island with abundant flora and fauna. Since 
there is no society, books about any social phenomena would be 
undesirable as they would lead to subjective thinking eventually. 

"Best possible anthology of World Poetry. One would miss 
sound very much. Music would be rather impossible. One could 
read the poems aloud for sound; also models for writing poetry." 

"If I had to live alone with Nature I should feel intimately 
the presence of the Creator of Nature. Hence, I should want first 
the Psalms and then other literary means of giving expression to 
my human grasp of the intangible as recorded by the writers of 
the Bible .... Living with Nature, I should want to cultivate her 
language in my own way and I should need the Handbook to 
Nature and Astronomy. Even on an island funny things must hap- 
pen and I should want to appreciate them if they did. I believe I 
should remain human longer with a dash of Humor." 

"Sears and Roebuck Catalog would be one of the most helpful 
of books, I would see things that I could make, also inventions of 
men of the past." 

Do you think our faculty would be happy Crusoes? 
What do books mean to you? The following inscription on the wall 
of the Welch Memorial Library at Johns Hopkins University aptly ex- 
presses my opinion. "For books are not absolute dead things but do 
contain a potency of life in them to be as active as the soul was whose 
progeny they are. Nay, they do preserve as in a viol, the purest efficacy 
and extraction of that living intellect that bred them." 

John F. Owings, Sr. 4. 



31 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Pumpkin Coach 

By LOUIS PAUL 

Louis Paul, author, is new to the literary field of novels, "The 
Pumpkin Coach" is his first offering. However, "The Pumpkin 
■ Coach" does not reek with the odors of clumsy, groping first 
attempts and a smug egotism which often is evident. In fact, one is 
able to forget this story has an author ... it is merely the song of the 
humming life of "these United States" suddenly evolving into words. 

The story has a hero, Uan Koe, a brown Samoan boy here in 
America; but when one closes the cover he knows nothing of this 
hero, "Uan." Uan has merely been the staff upon which the notes of 
life have been recorded; he has had the feelings of human beings re- 
vealed to him in their true state; he has looked into the hearts and 
souls of musicians, lawyers, writers, workmen, vagabonds and artists 
and looked at life through their souls' eyes. Uan has been the record 
for the impressions of the beauties of water, sky, rain, earth, cars, 
trains, tall buildings, ferry boats and city streets; he has taken the 
commonplace which escapes our everyday notice and woven it into a 
symphony of color, pattern, harmony! 

One must admire Mr. Paul's vocabulary — his clear, concise, de- 
tailed and vivid word pictures; but, not in the usual use of a descrip- 
tion of actual happenings. One is able to see the picture of rain-drenched 
Uan crawling into the hay loft, pulling his precious sketches from his 
brief case, but one is also able to feel his tiredness, his exaltation at 
being alone with the beauty of rain, his concern and eagerness for his 
sketches — and the true picture is one of emotions. 

To read "Pumpkin Coach" is to study psychology, to appreciate 
a new style and attack in the writing game; to feel a strange wonder at 
the life which goes on day by day suddenly snuffed out only to leave 
memories; to be carried away on the tide of a stranger's emotions and 
know them to be your own. 

"The Pumpkin Coach" is a truly refreshing novel with an appeal- 
ing style all its own. It rises above most attempts at realism in that it 
succeeds in touching our emotions in the most human and funda- 
mentally real way in a beautiful, rather than a sordid, ugly manner. 

Portia Crapster, Sr. 4. 
32 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Fleeting Time 



The longer I live the more I realize the verity of the old expression 
"Art is long and time is fleeting." 
My interpretation is not "art" in a literal sense, but rather 
the art of living. There are many things to be done in work and play; 
there is little time for doing them. "Fleeting' ' is the alarming word, for 
truly the fleeting quality of time is frightening. We have only a few 
years at best, and they fly by all too swiftly. 

There is much being said and written about "leisure time." This is 
a pleasant topic, for the word leisure suggests more time. Upon analyz- 
ing the term one discovers that actually there are no more hours in the 
day, but there is a change in emphasis. There are fewer hours for work 
and more hours for recreative and creative pursuits. Such an arrange- 
ment means that the hours devoted to our avocations and hobbies will 
go faster — (They always do; don't they?). And time will seem to fly 
even more swiftly. 

Arnold Bennett's "How to Live on Twenty-four Hours a Day" 
gives some helpful ideas on the use of time, and points out ways of 
avoiding unnecessary waste of minutes. 

The pitiable person is one who "has time to kill." I can't imagine 
such a condition. Perhaps he means time to relax or to do little things. 
He couldn't possibly mean what the words imply. If I have to wait at 
the barber shop, I welcome that wait. That may be my one opportunity 
for reading the newspaper or a magazine. Should all papers and maga- 
zines be in use, I have a few minutes to think through and plan some 
new work in social studies or arithmetic. Often more effective teaching 
results from such periods of unforeseen contemplation. 

Time ahead seems slow, but it is deceiving, for as it becomes time of 
the present and time of the past it is flying. When I was told that it 
would take two years of study at the university before receiving my 
degree, I thought two years were much too long a time. After starting 
the work, however, I found the time passing more rapidly than I 
wished. I discovered then, too, that time was going on in years, 
months, weeks, and days no matter what I did. The two years would 
come and go and I could decide to be with or without the degree at the 
end of that time. A friend signed a contract to teach in India for five 
years. Looking ahead that seemed an interminable length of time. She 
is returning in June and she says that the five years seem like so many 
months. 

I know of no greater game in the world than that of trying to fill 
the fleeting moments of time with those wonderful things one wants 
to do. 

E. K. Crabtree. 

33 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



A Willow Weeps 



It was a still, humid summer night, and dark, oppressive clouds hung 
low in the heavens. I stood looking out 01 my window. There, 
silhouetted against the sky, stood a lonely weeping willow tree, its 
long, slender, pendulous branches motionless except when a gentle 
zephyr breathed through them. In the far horizon hung dark masses of 
crowded trees which formed a soft blue curtain as a background for this 
sad child of Nature. Suddenly, a crash of thunder, followed by the blue 
glare of lightning and a terrific gust of wind, ushered in the storm. The 
willow rocked and swayed with a confused movement as the torrential, 
smothering rain drenched its summer finery. Each time the wild wind 
rushed through, the willow wept aloud and tried to lift her arms in 
defense of the aggressor; but the storm had sapped what little strength 
they had, and they could only bow limply to Mother Earth. With 
magical suddenness, the rain ceased, and the thunder clouds drifted 
away, leaving a bright, clean moon in their wake. It shone radiantly 
through the willow tree, making her graceful leaves glisten like satin 
tassels. 

Virginia Hagerty, Fr. 1. 



tfc&J&^tt 



Father ---Son 

A new note was struck in the school's social program when the 
fathers of the men students gathered here on the campus to partake of 
dinner with their sons and the faculty and to be entertained by the 
modest talent contained in their composite progeny. The occasion 
such as was inaugurated on May fifteenth will, we hope, claim a 
permanent date on each year's calendar. The response to our invitations 
and the favorable comments expressed at the conclusion of the festivi- 
ties augurs well that our hope will be fulfilled. 

34 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



— And About the Bachelors 

Days before one of the most momentous occasions in life, the air is 
full of mysterious packages, parties, and congratulations. The 
night before the great event is to take place, a farewell party is 
usually planned. At this affair, one is told, many reminiscences are ex- 
changed and many toasts to the future, are drunk. Gaiety, hilarity, 
and good fellowship are the order of the day. 

Should one venture in to the Seniors' Bachelor Party a few days 
before the event, one might hear something which would sound like: 

Did you know that two of our number are being seen a great deal 
with prominent New York and Baltimore physicians? 

's ring is a beauty. 

The Metropolitan Opera Company has approached. .. .with a 
contract. 

Guy Lombardo requests. . . .to join his orchestra as a soloist for 
special Chinese numbers. 

It does seem unusual for .... to become excited and, shall we say 
angry, but take our word for it, it is possible. 

The State of Maryland will be enhanced by a system of summer 
camps which. . . .aspires to organize. 

The twins are joint editors of a weekly magazine, "The Seminar". 

Who is the fiend who is responsible for breaking the carefully 
cultivated finger nails of the Senior Specials? 

Our beauty specialist seems to bring added vigor and morale to her 
art of "Beauty Specializing" after each of her frequent jaunts to 
Westminster. 

We like red neck ties, too, Tom, but "nufs' 'nuf." 

Do you remember the good old times of the astronomy course when 
we congregated in the wee sma' hours of the morning muttering Baker 
and Path under our breath? 

Performing the Russian dance may have enriched our appreciation 
of folk dancing and Russia but our muscles suffered. 

We wonder if . . . .would really be able to express herself if her 
hands were tied behind her. 

Do you suppose the book ' 'From Song to Symphony" is the record 
of our creative endeavors as inspired by our music course? Ask to see 
some of our original manuscripts. 

Slowly the party became quieter and more thoughtful. A toast was 
proposed that incorporated the fineness of the group, the possibilities 
and strengths of the individuals, a wish for success, and a challenge for 
all to serve and work for the happiness of mankind. 

35 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The toast was drunk. And those who thought of the meaning of 
life went out unafraid, confident, with hope. 



The Old Bachelor. 



GdJ2>**£S5 



In the Beginning 

In the dark silence of the night, 

Far over head the wild geese flew, 

Their high wild cry echoing back into the night. 

The brown earth sighed, 

Turned over in its sleep 

But rested less easily now. 

And in the morning warm rains came 
To wash the earth and make it pure, 
To purge the hills of lingering snow 
And leave a field for grass to green; 
To clear the skies of hovering gray 
And set a path where birds shall wing. 

Now the earth breathes again 

And slender trees droop 

Under green lace leaves 

That ripple soft in a gentle wind. 

The star disc of the dandelion 

Gleams yellow on the tender grass 

And violets purple the hills. 

The warm air carries the scent of lilacs, 

Lavender and white, far away and faint, 

And dogwood splashes the river's edge 

With white and roseate glory. 

An impudent bird calls from its new-made nest, 
Bids the world rise, come out, rejoice, 
Lift up its voice in one sweet song of Spring 
To welcome May. 

Margaret Cooley. 



36 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



The Case of "Yes" 

Some years ago it was a common thing to hear my refreshing sylla- 
ble spoken. Conversationalists respected my simple forcefulness, 
mothers chided their little ones for not assuming that "yes, 
mother" attitude or because they forgot to use my right form. Today, 
alas, I am nearly lost in the speech of man. Forsooth, I, a refined 
vocable, have become as extinct as the desire of many to study the 
flora and fauna of the Jurassic period or the giasticutus — that hybrid 
animal which had its legs longer on one side than the other because of 
its long-time habit of feeding on hillsides. 

Today — alas, alack — the nearest thing in sound to my original 
form are such words as "yep," "yup," "yeh," "yeah," or "yippy." 
Other current synonyms are "um-hoom," or "uh-huh," etc. Besides 
such sayings, man has created other expressions to take my place. Such 
phrases as "You said it," "Ain't it the truth," "You're telling me!" 
and "You said a mouthful," have assumed the cloak of the affirmative 
and dispelled "yes" from the minds of men. 

The last straw to my already heavy soul came when I heard that 
smart fellows are resenting being called "yes-men." Perhaps that is 
why so many ways have been found to avoid saying the fatal word, 
"yes." Dear me, there I go saying things I never meant to say. I never 
shall gain the good graces of men if I continue to use that word 
"fatal." 

But to come back to "Yes." Of course, girls will say it — at the 
right time and to the right fellow — but even then, they have invented 
cute ways and tricks for expressing the idea without using me in my 
true form. 

So — unless man turns his mind to his inadvertency, I fear that 
before long, I — "yes" may appear in the dictionaries with the ex- 
planation — "archaic" or "obsolete" after it. — Ho, hum! 

Julien H. Turk, Sr. 3. 

Important, Alumni 

The Tower Light takes pleasure in announcing for Miss Tall the 
fact that all graduates of the school and all members of the Alumni 
Association will be welcome to stay in the dormitory whenever they 
are in town. To our graduates we are charging only 25 cents a night for 
a room and 25 cents for breakfast. 

37 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



An Interlude 

A fter the first few attempts one can arrange himself quite com- 
A\ fortably on a railroad tie, using for a head-rest one rail and for 
■* ** his feet the other. So were we gathered in that midsummer dusk 
lazily hoping that the ticks would prefer the rust of the "gondola" over 
us to our sweaty bodies. This was not a chance gathering. It occurred 
every evening at this time, unsuppressed by the bosses. Perhaps they 
realized that this interlude was essential if these men were to work well. 
Perhaps they saw that such groups from time immemorial have met to 
exchange tales imagined or real. 

A cough, an ominous cough, interrupted Mike as he began to 
speak. The newcomer smiled apologetically. It seems awkward to 
term a physical feature of a man as beautiful, but in no other word can 
I describe that smile that transformed his ordinary visage into a mag- 
net that attracted all, and dismissed his frail body. The men were blind. 
One spoke shortly, "Hello, Wop." The others ignored him. He sat 
himself on the ground, the effort bringing forth a series of coughs that 
wracked his slight frame. Mike showed some irritation at having his 
story interrupted but continued, 

"Yeh, I never had any trouble collecting from the old lady." Mike 
had peddled insurance in Baltimore years before. "Sometimes she paid 
off in change but she never missed." Her policy was just a small one 
on her husband. I stopped around at her house one day — just a few days 
before Christmas. The shades were pulled and nobody came when I 
knocked. I was just decidin' to leave when a neighbor called over from 
next door. 

" 'Nobody lives there now. The old lady died two days back.' It 
made me feel pretty sad because I kinda liked her, so I asks what hap- 
pened. 'Pneumonia,' the lady next door told me. 'And besides she 
didn't have anything to eat and no coal.' Well, where the hell is her 
husband, I asks? She shrugged, 'He died two years ago.' 

' 'How much did you make on the deal?' ' someone asked, but Mike 
only grinned. 

One of the old men began to talk now. An ex-marine. "Women" 
would dominate the discussion from this point. It was usually amusing, 
but tonight I found their stories repulsive and before they stopped I was 
feeling physically sick. I glanced over at the "Wop," but he wasn't 
listening. His gaze traveled straight ahead. 

"I wish to God I could get rid of mine", I heard someone say and 
the thought was echoed at least six times. It came to me through a fog, 
that they were talking about their wives. I had listened to many of 
their sins but for the first time I was shocked. I looked again at the 

38 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



"Wop". He had heard this time and his face wore a puzzled expression. 
One of the others noticed him and fairly yelled, "You're married, 
ain't you?" 

"Yes, I, — " began the Wop and then he stopped. 

"How long you been married?" this from Milce. 

"Eight years," was the answer. 

"And I suppose if you had it to do over again you'd do the same 
thing?" offerea the ex-marine. 

"Yes," said the Wop, and as if to add emphasis he added quietly, 
"Yes, and to the same girl." 

Their laugh was a jeer but somehow I felt better. 

The "Wop's" contribution ended the discussion and we got up 
brushing the cinders from our clothes. One by one we began to drift 
off but stopped short at a nigger running down the tracks yelling "Hey, 
Wop," breathlessly. 

"Dey wants yo' at the office," he gasped when he got close enough. 

"Anything wrong?" the Wop asked as he picked up his gloves. 

"You — Yore wife — she just died!" the idiot blurted out. 

The Wop swayed for a moment, his hands to his face, then began 
to run towards the office. He stopped after a few paces and almost 
doubled up to cough then started on again. He never reached the office. 
We found nim at the door of the building lying at the end of a short trail 
of blood. 

"Collapsed lung," they whispered around the next night. I don't 
know. The men do not lie under the empty freight car any longer. 

Gene Benbow. 



GCzzJ&^tt 



Assemblies 

Miss Logan 

Miss Logan spoke to us on the topic in which she is most interested 
— teaching. In the experience of teaching both students and children, 
Miss Logan has found that certain standards fuse together to make a 
successful teacher: honesty, integrity, neatness, courtesy, cooperation, 
self-confidence, and open mindedness. The beginning student may not 
always have all of these, but he can work to acquire them. The student, 
however, should be equipped with a clear enunciation, correct spelling, 
and good penmanship. A mastery of these skills will give confidence 
and allow concentration on other vitally important teaching points. 

39 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Mr. Morgan 

Mr. Morgan, editor of the National Association Journal, spoke to 
us on the opportunities offered teachers enrolled as members of this 
association. The N. E s A. is a state and local association working 
nationally. The history of the association was traced for us by Mr. 
Morgan from its formation in Philadelphia in 1857 to the present. The 
work of the association today was described and Mr. Morgan concluded 
by giving two reasons why every teacher in America should belong. 
First, we want to grow as individuals, and second, we want to help in 
further improving American education. 

H. Zeigler. 

Glee Club 

At the close of an academic year, a word in retrospect and a for- 
/"A ward look are appropriate. We have been proud of our Glee 
•*■ *- Club record, this year. In addition to contributing to all im- 
portant school functions, we have given four independent programs 
outside the school, and have lent some of our singers to a number of 
high-school programs as part of the enrollment campaign. Not least 
among our functions is participation in the Baccalaureate Service 
and the Commencement, which are now close at hand. To the Bac- 
calaureate Service our special contribution will be "Sanctus," by 
Mozart, and "Praise to Thee, Father," by Bach. For the Commence- 
ment we shall sing "Springtide," by Greig, which, with its eight 
parts and difficult harmony, constitutes such a challenge as we have 
not often accepted, and a "Foreword for a Song Book," a chorale 
adapted from Brahms' "C Minor Symphony." 

The Glee Club closes this year with a membership of ninety. Of 
these, thirty-eight are Seniors. Twenty- two of them have belonged to 
the Glee Club three years; thirteen, two years, in most cases the Junior 
and Senior year. One member, Mr. Mezick, who entered the school as 
a Senior, has belonged, of course, one year. We are proud of the sta- 
bility of membership in the Glee Club, as it is one of the factors that 
has enabled us to build up a repertory and achieve such success as has 
been ours. 

When we see the Seniors receive their diplomas, we shall feel sad, 
indeed. But their part in such favorites as "The Pilgrim's Chorus," 
dear old "Luh, Luh," and "The Shepherds' Story," will not be for- 
gotten. Surely, having sung together will bind all more closely to 
Normal School and to each other. Longfellow has expressed this truth 
in his well-known "Arrow and the Song": 

40 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



I shot an arrow into the air, 
It fell to earth, I know not where; 
For so swiftly it flew, the sight 
Could not follow it in its flight. 

I breathed a song into the air, 
It fell to earth, I know not where; 
For who has sight so keen and strong, 
That it can follow the flight of song? 

Long, long afterward, in an oak 
I found the arrow, still unbroke 
And the song, from beginning to end, 
I found again in the heart of a friend. 

Fifty-four Junior and Freshman members still belong to us. They 
will carry on, we hope, and help to blend into one the new and wel- 
come members that will be ours next year. 

Orchestra 

The first event of the year 1934— *35, for the Orchestra, was that of 
preparing and presenting the dramatization of the story of "The 
Palace of Music." As in the story, the palace was built by playing 
together, so we have been trying to build our palace of sound by play- 
ing together. 

Some of the results of our efforts have been heard in an assembly 
program; at Freshmen Mothers' Week-end; Christmas and Founders' 
Day programs; in a radio broadcast; a parent-teachers program at 
Cockeysville; May Day and finally baccalaureate and commencement. 
In preparing for these programs, we have had an opportunity to study 
music from Bach, Handel, Mozart, Beethoven, Bizet and Dvorak, as 
well as pieces from the pens of Herbert, Raff and Cadman. 

The work of the Orchestra might be divided into three phases: 
first, that of the full orchestra, which rehearses on Monday afternoon 
of each week, and plays at the various programs of the school, such as 
Founder's Day, May Day and Commencement. This is the phase with 
which the school as a whole is most familiar. 

A second phase of our work, which is a means of strengthening 
the entire organization is that of the string ensemble, this year com- 
posed of three violins and 'cello. This group of players often represents 
the instrumental side of our school music, when music by the whole 
orchestra would not be quite so suitable, or when it would be imprac- 
tical to have the larger group. The ensemble has played for several 
school affairs as well as being our representative away from school on 

41 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



two occasions. The ensemble provides an opportunity for its members 
to have the pleasure and experience of playing in this, the most exacting 
type of musical performance. We hope before the year closes to record 
the playing of this group, as a part of our permanent records. 

The third phase of our work is that of those students who learn 
to play their instruments after they enter the school. The purpose of 
this work is to add to the instrumentation of the Orchestra, and to give 
to those students who would like to play an instrument an opportunity 
to learn, and to have the experience of playing with others. No attempt 
is made to develop solo players. However, with the aid of the experi- 
enced players, the students who have taken this work, have become 
dependable members of the Orchestra. If they wish, some of them may 
qualify for other amateur orchestras or ensembles, when they leave 
the school. 

And now as the school year draws to a close, we are sorry, indeed, 
that we must lose by graduation some of our most able and reliable 
members. We rejoice, however, that so many excellent members remain 
in the freshman and junior classes. We hope that each one of them will 
be with us again in September. We hope, also, that the incoming class 
of next fall will bring to us some students, who may help to fill the 
vacancies left by our present seniors, and who will work toward even 
higher musical standards. 



Faculty Notes 



A close watch of the extra-curricular activities of the faculty at 
present will reveal that many of them are taking a forward look. 
Miss Tansil, who spends her days juggling figures and fortunes, 
has taken to computing how much she can save by chauffeuring herself 
and some friends (preferably small) around Europe. We suggest that 
she begin teaching her car to obey foreign traffic signals. Miss Dowell 
and Miss Van Bibber have been poring over Mediterranean cruise liter- 
ature, and rumor has it that Miss Van Bibber has already purchased 
some chewing gum. We have not, however, noticed her practicing with 
it. Miss Logan has been turning her eyes toward the great open spaces 
of the West, and Miss Scarborough to our neighbor on the north. 
Miss Bersch has been considering trying to earn a trip with dime 
letters, but to date she has not purchased a ticket anywhere. We have 
no dime, but as we would like to be helpful, we suggest that there is a 
soap contest being conducted which offers possibilities. Dr. Aber- 
crombie doesn't usually take the long way around, but this summer 
she is making an exception, and is planning to go to the West Coast 

42 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



via the Panama Canal. Some of the poorer members of the faculty are 
just planning to sleep under a bush and eat berries, but that doubtless 
has its compensations. 

University catalogues are coming in for their share of attention, 
for summer study always beckons the ambitious. Miss Hill and Mr. 
Moser expect to complete this summer their work for their Masters' 
degrees at Columbia. Miss Yoder will go for the fifth year to Western 
Reserve University in Cleveland. She says the school of Library Science 
is the attraction. Miss Rutledge and Miss Woodward will work at 
Columbia. 

Some of the faculty find that they get out of practice unless they 
teach during the summer also. Among these Mrs. Brouwer, Miss Jones 
and Mr. Walther will again teach at Johns Hopkins. 

We fear that having a car has impaired Miss Neunsinger's powers 
of locomotion. We recommend that she walk a few minutes each day 
hereafter. 

Miss Keys recently entertained at her home Miss Edith Johnson, 
Librarian of Berry College in Rome, Georgia. 



ffgSfrJgt^Sft 



Chi Alpha Sigma Fraternity Notes 

On May 9, the Chi Alpha Sigma Fraternity, the Honor Society 
of our school, held an assembly, at which time Dr. Tall intro- 
duced to the student body the following new members: Seniors; 
Adelaide Tober, Margery Willis, Marguerite Ehrhart, Eleanor Loos, 
Mary Bucher, Kathryn Coster, William Evans, Isadore Miller, and 
Malcolm Davies; Juniors; Miriam Vogelman, Muriel Jones, Emily 
Lewis, and Hortense Jachman. 

Other Senior members of the Fraternity are; Mary Yaeger, Dorothy 
Gonce, Dorothy Lorenz, Eleanor Goedeke, Herman Bainder, William 
Podlich, and Mary CofFman. 

The Fraternity is now looking forward to the annual spring meet- 
ing which will be held on May 25, on the lawn in front of Dr. Tail's 
home. At this time officers will be elected, new members initiated, and 
a grand reunion of friends will be possible. Some fraternity members 
are going to speak of the interesting things they have been doing since 
they graduated. This should prove very stimulating. 

Mary Coffman, Secretary-Treasurer. 
43 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



We Defeat Elizabethtown College 

The Elizabethtown College baseball team visited our institution at 
Towson on May 10 and struggled very hard to raise the scalps of 
the future teachers. The result was another consecutive victory — 
the fourth to be exact — registered by the squad of Coach Minnegan. 
The score was 10 to 6. 

In the early innings the score was tied at 3 all. Ed. Brumbaugh was 
pitching for the Teachers. As the game progressed, the home team 
pulled away to 8-2. behind Brumbaugh's effective hurling. The score at 
this point indicates that George Rankin, Myron Mezick, Melvin Cole 
and Harry Jaffe were sending many runs across the home plate. 

The Home team added several more runs before Seagrist, from the 
visiting team, put them out. In the sixth inning, Tom Johnson relieved 
Brumbaugh, so both should be credited with the victory. 

The game was a "thriller" with many spectators. The victory 
certainly has to be attributed to the clever coaching of Don Minnegan. 
The visitors outhit the Teachers 7-6 but by base-running (stealing more 
than half a dozen bases) runners were put in a position where they could 
be brought home by base hits from the bats of George Rankin, Melvin 
Cole, and the others. We hope to see many more games like this. 

Theodore Woronka, Sr. 3. 

Normal School Sportlight 

Play ball! The baseball season is in full swing. Already the team 
has sent many a hot line drive singing into the outfield. Let's 
get right into the game and find out how our boys have keen 
doing. 

Up to date the team has won all three games played. The Varsities 
of Charlotte Hall, Franklin High, and the Maryland Training School 
have been subdued by runs which total 53; the opposition has countered 
only three runs. What has enabled the baseball team to score so many 
runs in three games? The answer lies in the strong power that has 
resulted in high batting averages. Tom Johnson, thus far, is leading 
the regulars with an average of .643- Jaffe, Chrest, Meyer, Smith, Cole, 
Mezick, Josh Wheeler, and John Wheeler are all hitting .300 or bet- 
ter. The pitching, of course, has been excellent. Tom Johnson, Edward 
Brumbaugh, and Ed Turner are carrying the burden. 

The Teachers College squad hopes to continue its winning ways in 
coming meets with Hopkins university, Elizabethtown College, and 
Loyola College. We, of course, are expecting you to come out and 

44 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



pull for Coach Minnegan's charges to come ahead in their remaining 
matches. Take a look at the squad in action for yourself. You are 
certain to see many of the following: 

Pitchers: Tom Johnson, Ed. Brumbaugh, Ed. Turner. 

Catchers: Myron Mezick, John Wheeler. 

In fielders: Melvin Cole, Tom Hamilton, Dave Smith, Morris Hoff- 
man, Don Schwanebeck, Allen Harper. 

Outfielders: George Rankin, Harry Jane, Josh Wheeler, Frank 
Chrest, Walter Ubersax, Ed. Fost. 

The Teachers College Tennis team, which has scheduled among other 
teams Loyola College, Hopkins, Baltimore University, and City College 
includes Julien Turk, Theodore Woronka, Gene Benbow, Frank Chrest, 
Charles Haslup, Albert Greenfeld, and Charles Meigs. Although this 
group will compete with teams that have high standards in tennis, it 
is to be hoped that it will carry off a fair share of the honors. 

Theodore Woronka, Sr. 3. 



GxZzJ&^SS 



Washington County Alumni Luncheon 

On Saturday, April 27, a most delightful meeting and luncheon 
was held at the Hotel Alexander, Hagerstown. Dr. Tall, and 
Miss Scarborough, guests of the unit, spoke of the plans for our 
State Teachers College and suggested ways in which the County mem- 
bers may assist. The presiding officer, Miss Margaret Jenkins, '30, 
informed us of the work done toward another scholarship for worthy 
Washington County students who may come to us. She, too, voiced 
the sadness of all in the recent loss of Miss Teeny Horst. Miss Noel, 
a former graduate, favored us with two solos. Miss Munn, also a guest, 
expressed her delight at being present and asked the Alumni to return 
soon to Towson for further study. Dr. Tall announced that Alumni 
guests may stay in the dormitory over week-ends for 25 cents per night 
and be given meals, too, at a very nominal sum. Margaret Diffendahl's 
children had designed very artistic place cards, and Alice Garner Hoffman 
had typed the songs on our program. The following were present: 
Laura King '88 Erona Itneyer '26 

Mary Hudson Scarborough '91 Lillian V. Cooper '28 
Jean McLaughlin '31 Margaret Rohrer Haynes '27 

Alice Quick '29 Ora Ann Bussard '34 

Kay Noel '30 Martha Royer '24 

Mrs. Daniels (Accompanist) Mary Alice Horst '34 

45 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



Virginia Morin '30 Elsie M. Horst '28 

Edna McCardell '21 Mary E. Helser '24 

Lois Helm '30 Olive Myers '28 

Thelma Marshall '32 Hilda Varner '21 

Charlotte Hauver '32 Olive Smith '26 

Catherine Cox '32 Isabella Beckenbaugh '17 

Helen Reid '28 Martha Seaman '25 

Helen Cushen '27 Geneva Krontz '29 

Jane Martin '31 Pearl C. Rhodes '29 

Annilea H. Browne, '31 Helen L. Snyder '34 

Hazel Fridinger '28 Dorothy Hartle Semler '26 

Lucille Miller '30 Mary Clark '30 

Margaret White '30 Emily Mason '31 

Louise Staley Miller '28 Josephine Byers '31 

Mae Angle '28 Margaret Jenkins '30 



Crow's Nest 

If ever one has been in a lonely spot where the stillness is broken 
only by his own movement, he knows the solitude of the lookout of an 
ocean-going steamer. His perch is a hundred or more feet high with 
barely enough space to prop his body. 

The four never-ending hours of his watch are a monotony broken 
only by the tolling of the ship's bell at each passing hour. All is in 
harmony; the swaying crow's nest, the soundless stars, the ghost of a 
moon, and the regular dip of the prow into the sea. How quiet is the 
sentinel of the deep as he pursues his duties — his thoughts constantly 
reverting to this, his home in the clouds. 

A lookout experiences the seemingly never-ending vastness and 
loneliness of the sea. In spite of the many ships constantly plying their 
way across the watery path, for nights, the horizon remained unbroken. 
At last, the long expected happens. A startling clang announces a 
stranger-boat's passing. 

But it is not always calm, for there is sometimes the nightmare of 
the storm at sea. Ninety slippery steel steps to climb, straight ufj, 
burdened by his dripping sou easter, his shiny, heavy rubber coat, his 
nine-league boots, he wends his way against the lashing storm to his 
adopted perch. One slip, and he would hurtle down through space to 
the hard, steel deck below. On these fearsome occasions, the relief 
watch is a Dispensation of Providence. 

46 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



After twelve long days without the sight of terra firma, the gleam- 
ing cliffs of Dover stand out over the water like a vast mountain or white 
against a blue background. For the lookout this is a welcome sight. 
Loneliness is now over. His perch, as the ship approaches the harbor, 
affords him a complete view of vessels, docks, cliffs crowded with cling- 
ing, picturesque houses, steep streets, people moving to and fro — his 
first view of a foreign city. 

George Rankin, Sr. $. 

On the Use of Concrete Visual Materials 
in Teaching Units 

(A suggestion for a thesis for someone to write on something.) 

One of the richest, and in some ways, the most ideal approach to 
certain forms of subject matter, is almost universally overlooked 
by teachers. A relatively unexplored field lies in the use of 
actual scale or realistic models in the classroom. Little has been written, 
either as to methods of handling such materials, or their sources and 
construction. 

It is logical that the best way to learn about a certain thing is to 
see it and examine it. It therefore follows that the ideal way to learn 
about geographical types, historic buildings, or ships, is to see them. 
But the travel theory of education is not new, furthermore, it is both 
impractical and expensive. Various substitutes have been proposed to 
bring simulations into the classroom — pictures, such as stereographs 
and movies. 

Now we propose the model. It is not really new. Models are older 
than history. But the use of them in education has been limited. Edu- 
cational models were generally confined to museums, where their very 
profuseness and intricacies so dazzled the casual beholder that little was 
learned. There are two reasons for this. First, the teacher has not 
realized the tremendous teaching values of a good model. Second,many 
are handicapped by lack of familiarity with the technique and require- 
ments for constructing good educational models. Good models we ven- 
ture to propose, can, if capably handled, accomplish more real teaching 
about their originals than any other teaching device. In other words, a 
model of a Gothic cathedral can be used more effectively to teach the 
important features of Gothic architecture than a visit to a real cathedral 
itself — providing the periods of time involved are the same in both 
cases. With the model, one sees the real cathedral, but unified; any side 

47 



THE TOWER LIGHT 



can be viewed in an instant, and the architectural details of its cross 
pattern, flying buttresses, etc., can be readily perceived. In a half hour 
the child is on speaking terms with all Gothic architecture; it would 
take hours to walk about Rheims Cathedral. 

These thoughts lead one to practical speculation. We have libraries 
from which books and pictures on almost any subject may be drawn. 
Who will be the first to establish a circulating library of educational 
models 7 . That is an untouched field for anyone who dares to strike out 
alone! 

(This is the first of a series of essays on models in the classroom. Others will appear 
early in the fall.) 



€i^aJBL£7& 



Prayer 



OLord, guide our footsteps to a new, fuller life, that we, in our 
humble way, may each do his part in the tumultuous world to 
enhance the beauty of lives which we touch. Ever may we 
strive for the right, though the way may be narrow and twisted 

We pray, Lord, that we always may see the loveliest in this, Thy 
world. May our eyes e'er be open to the splendor which Thou has dis- 
played so lavishly for our viewing. Grant Thou, that we may continue 
our way in happiness, but tempered with grief, for only by sorrow may 
we ever grow strong enough to bear the burden of living. 

This is our prayer, as we journey beyond these, Thy halls of learn- 
ing. 

O Lord, hear our prayer and grant, if Thy will, these things 
which we voice from our hearts. Amen. 

Francbs E. Fantom. 

48 



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